Theatre History II Actor Timeline

Charlotte Cushman was born in Boston

1816

She was born into a distinguished New England family.

The Life of Charlotte Cushman

Period: Jul 23, 1816 to Feb 18, 1876

Charlotte Cushman is considered one of America's first great tragic actresses. She played traditionally male and female roles.

First appeared onstage as Lady Macbeth in New York

1836

Cushman played Romeo

1837

This was the first of many male roles she played throughout her career.

Played Meg Merrilies in a dramatization of Guy Mannering

1837

This was one of Cushman's most popular performances.

Charlotte became a member of the Park Theatre Company

1837

First notable success onstage as Nancy in Oliver Twist

1839

Cushman began a romance with Rosalie Scully

1843

Went to London with William Charles Macready

1844

She first performed with Macready in this same year. He encouraged her to pursue acting in London.

Featured in a number of prominent Shakespearian roles at the Princess's in London

1845

Rosalind in As You Like It, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Portia in The Merchant of Venice.

Cushman played Romeo again, opposite her sister as Juliet

1846

Her sister's name was Susan Webb Cushman.

Charlotte and Matilda Hays began a 10 year romantic relationship

1848

They had a dramatic breakup, which involved another woman.

Charlotte returned to America to play Katherine in Henry VIII and Claude Melnotte in The Lady of Lyons

1852

Her role as Claude Melnotte stirred up controversy.

Cushman announced her first farewell tour

1857

There were a few more farewell tours after this one.

Cushman performed for the last time in New York as Lady Macbeth

1874

Charlotte Cushman died at 59 in Boston

1876

Charlotte Cushman Club established in Philadelphia

1907