Actor

Timeline

Lifetime: 1717 - 1779 Passed: ≈ 245 years ago

Title

English Actor, Playwright, Theatre Manager, Producer

Country/Nationality

United Kingdom
Wikipedia

David Garrick

David Garrick was a renowned British actor, playwright, and theatre manager, who made significant contributions to the theatre scene during the 18th century. He was born on February 19, 1717, in Hereford, England, and died on January 20, 1779, in London.

Garrick was famous for his acting skills, which were characterized by his ability to portray a wide range of emotions and his exceptional diction. He was known for his innovative approach to acting, which involved making his performances more naturalistic and less formal. This helped to transform the style of acting in England and set new standards for acting excellence.

One of Garrick's most notable works was his play, "The Clandestine Marriage," which he co-wrote with George Colman the Elder. The play was first performed in 1766 and is a satirical comedy about marriage and the British class system.

Garrick's philosophy on acting was that it should be natural and realistic. He believed that actors should strive to make their performances more authentic by using natural movements and expressions. This approach to acting was groundbreaking at the time and helped to usher in a new era of theatre in England.

David Garrick died in London in 1779 and was buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his contributions to the arts. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of British theatre, having transformed the art form and set new standards for excellence in acting and playwriting.

In addition to his work in theatre, Garrick was also known for his philanthropy and his support for various social causes. He was a patron of the arts and a supporter of education, helping to establish a school for disadvantaged children in his hometown of Lichfield.

Overall, David Garrick was a significant figure in the history of British theatre, whose contributions to the art form have continued to influence actors and playwrights for centuries. His legacy continues through his plays, his innovative approach to acting, and his philanthropic efforts, which have left an indelible mark on the world of theatre and beyond.

Books by David Garrick

The Clandestine Marriage Cover image

The Clandestine Marriage

Romance
Play Love Historical Fiction Humorous Fiction Commentary Wealth Dialogue

It tells the story of a young woman named Miss Fanny Sterling, who is caught between her love for a poor but charming suitor and the pressures of her wealthy family to marry a wealthy and influential man. The play is a comedy of manners that explores...

Katherine and Petruchio Cover image

Katherine and Petruchio

Drama
Marriage Love Romance Comedy Satire Wits Classic Literature

In David Garrick's witty and satirical adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, Katherine Minola is a strong-willed and independent woman who refuses to be tamed. Petruchio, a wealthy bachelor determined to marry her, sets out to break he...