Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Date of Birth: October 30, 1751

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 7, 1816

Biography

Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a prominent Irish playwright, poet, and politician of the 18th century. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Sheridan is best known for his plays “The Rivals” and “The School for Scandal,” which are still performed today for their wit and satire. Sheridan moved to England as a teenager and attended Harrow School. He initially pursued a career in law, but his passion for writing soon took precedence. Sheridan’s first play, “The Rivals,” premiered in 1775 and was an immediate success, establishing him as a leading literary figure of his time. His subsequent works, including “The Duenna” and “The Critic,” further cemented his reputation. In 1776, Sheridan acquired the Drury Lane Theatre, which he managed and revitalized, making it one of the leading theaters in London. Apart from his contributions to literature, Sheridan also had a notable political career. He served as a Member of Parliament for over 30 years, representing Stafford, Westminster, and Ilchester at different times. He was a member of the Whig party and was known for his eloquent speeches and strong opposition to the policies of Prime Minister William Pitt. Sheridan faced financial difficulties later in life, partly due to his mismanagement of the Drury Lane Theatre and his lavish lifestyle. He died in poverty but left behind a lasting legacy in both the literary and political spheres.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Brinsley Sheridan

1. Sheridan fought a duel in 1772 with Captain Thomas Mathews over the honor of his future wife, Elizabeth Ann Linley.

2. Despite his success as a playwright, Sheridan was often in debt due to his extravagant lifestyle and poor financial management.

3. Sheridan was buried with full honors in the Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey.

4. His play “The School for Scandal” is regarded as one of the greatest comedies of manners in the English language.

5. Sheridan was a close friend of the famous politician Charles James Fox and was a vocal advocate for the abolition of the slave trade.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Brinsley Sheridan

1. “The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed.”

2. “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”

3. “Those who will not risk cannot win.”

4. “The right honorable gentleman is indebted to his memory for his jests, and to his imagination for his facts.”

5. “A lie has no leg, but a scandal has wings.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sheridan’s highest net worth is difficult to estimate due to his fluctuating financial status, but he was once considered wealthy enough to purchase and manage the Drury Lane Theatre.

Children

Richard Brinsley Sheridan had two children with his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Linley: 1. Thomas Sheridan (1775–1817) – He followed in his father’s footsteps in both the arts and politics. 2. Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1781–1835) – He pursued a career in the military.