Ellen Terry

Date of Birth: February 27, 1847

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 21, 1928

Biography

Ellen Terry was an acclaimed English actress born on February 27, 1847, in Coventry, England. She became one of the most celebrated stage performers of the Victorian era, renowned for her beauty, talent, and charismatic stage presence. Terry began her acting career at a young age, joining a family of actors in their theatrical endeavors. She made her professional debut at the age of nine, and by her late teens, she was already making waves in London’s West End. Throughout her career, Terry formed a legendary partnership with the actor-manager Henry Irving, becoming the leading lady at the Lyceum Theatre from 1878 to 1902. Her portrayals of Shakespearean heroines such as Lady Macbeth, Beatrice, and Portia earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. Terry’s influence extended beyond the stage; she was also an accomplished writer, penning memoirs and essays on acting. Ellen Terry’s career spanned over six decades, during which she left an indelible mark on the world of theatre. She passed away on July 21, 1928, at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire actors and theatre enthusiasts to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Ellen Terry

1. Ellen Terry made her stage debut at the age of nine in the play “The Winter’s Tale.”

2. She was part of a renowned theatrical family; her parents and siblings were also actors.

3. Terry became the first actress to be honored with the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1925.

4. She was known for her striking beauty and was frequently painted by prominent artists, including John Singer Sargent.

5. Terry was a single mother and raised her two children while maintaining a highly successful acting career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ellen Terry

1. “Imagination, industry, and intelligence—the three I’s needed to be a great actress.”

2. “The secret of my success is that I always managed to live to my own standard of decency, and never cared what the world thought of it.”

3. “I have always been better pleased at a good dinner by a bright fire with my friends than a great triumph on the stage.”

4. “Acting is the perfect idiot’s profession.”

5. “I had no training, no knowledge, no experience, yet I started out bravely for myself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Ellen Terry achieved was estimated to be approximately £100,000, a significant sum during her time, reflecting her success and influence in the theatre world.

Children

Ellen Terry had two children: 1. Edith Craig (1869–1947), who became a notable theatre director, producer, and suffragette. 2. Edward Gordon Craig (1872–1966), who was a pioneering modernist theatre practitioner and stage designer.