Ira Aldridge

Ira Frederick Aldridge was born in New York City on July 24, 1807. At the age of 13, he went to the African Free School in New York City, established by the New-York Manumission Society for the children of free black people and slaves. They were given a classical education, with the study of English grammar, writing, mathematics, geography, and astronomy.

Aldridge’s first professional acting experience was in the early 1820s with the African Company, a group founded and managed by William Henry Brown and James Hewlett. In 1821, the group built the African Grove Theatre, the first resident African-American theatre in the United States. The short-lived company was the subject of protests by neighbors, attacks by a rival company.

Facing discrimination in America, he left in 1824 for England and made his debut at London’s Royal Coburg Theatre. As his career grew, his performances of Shakespeare’s classics eventually met with critical acclaim and he subsequently became the manager of Coventry’s Theatre Royal. From 1852, Aldridge regularly toured much of Continental Europe and received top honours from several heads of state.

In 1865 he married his second wife Amanda von Brandt with whom he had children, Irene, Ira, Amanda and Rachael.  All but Rachael went on to have careers in music. Rachael died in infancy. Aldridge was known as a British actor, playwright, and theatre manager, known for his portrayal of Shakespearean characters.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Aldridge