Hermann Vezin
Hermann Vezin | |
|---|---|
 Hermann Vezin in 1907 | |
| Born | March 2, 1829 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | June 12, 1910 (aged 81) London, England |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (A.B., M.A.) |
| Occupation(s) | Stage actor, Elocution teacher, writer |
| Years active | 1850–1910 (60 years) |
| Spouse | Jane Vezin |
Hermann Vezin (March 2, 1829 – June 12, 1910) was an American actor, teacher of
Life and work
Vezin was born in
Despite resistance from his family, Vezin was determined to work as an actor and departed America for the UK shortly after graduation. He made his first appearance at the York Theatre Royal in St Leonard's Place, York, England. After playing minor roles in several provincial engagements, he began performing leading characters as Cardinal Richelieu, Sir Edward Mortimer, Claude Melnotte, and Young Norval. He made his London début in 1852 at the Princess's Theatre. On February 21, 1863, at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, he married the former child actress, English-born Jane Elizabeth Thompson who, appearing as an adult under the name Mrs. Charles Young, had made a reputation as an actress both in Australia and in England. They appeared in many plays with together until her death in 1902. Together they had a son, the silent film actor, Arthur Vezin.
Apart from a brief professional tour of the United States in 1857–58, the majority of Vezin's acting career took place on the English stage. Though primarily an actor, in 1866 he collaborated with the playwrights
Sir J. Forbes-Robertson described Vezin in the London Post as a "bright and dapper little man, who was both "learned and dictatorial on the art of acting." The
A benefit matinee was held for Vezin at the Haymarket Theatre on March 19, 1896. For this, George Grossmith gave a sketch, and play scenes featured Gerald du Maurier, Herbert Beerbohm Tree and Cyril Maude, among others.[9] Vezin continued to act, appearing in The Happy Life in 1897[10] and as Rowley in The School for Scandal opposite Herbert Beerbohm Tree in 1909.[11]
In his declining years, Vezin appear infrequently on the stage, rather spending most of his time giving lessons to aspiring thespians, including the actors Herbert Beerbohm Tree, Baliol Holloway and Frank Benson as well as the actress Mary Mannering. He also dedicated himself to appearances at recitals and play readings. His last stage role was Old Rowley in Tree's production of playwright Richard Sheridan's The School for Scandal at His Majesty's Theatre in Scotland, in April 1909. He had been active on the British stage for nearly sixty years, and had been a resident of London, where he died at his home, 10 Lancaster Place, Strand, on June 12, 1910. His body was cremated at Golders Green and his ashes were scattered.
References
- ^ "Vezin, Hermann". Who's Who. Vol. 59. 1907. p. 1802.
- ^ "Charles Henri/Carl Heinrich Vezin's baptismal entry on the 7th March 1782 in the church book of St. Peter's Cathedral, Osnabrück". Matricula Online. pp. 0031.Taufen 1781-1782. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
- ^ "Marriage entry on the 14th August 1689 in the church book of St. Clement's Basilica Parish, Hanover". Matricula Online. pp. 079_1689–1690. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ISBN 0-19-816174-3. pp. 141–2
- ^ *Wilman, George (1882), "Hermann Vezin", Sketches of living celebrities, London: Griffith and Farran, p. 35
- ^ The Illustrated London News, September 16, 1876, p. 275, col. 1.
- ^ ISBN 0-19-816174-3. p. 86
- ISBN 0-19-816174-3. pp. 190–91
- ^ Moss, Simon. Programme and description of 1896 benefit, Gilbert & Sullivan, a selling exhibition of memorabilia, Archive: Other items
- ^ "'The Happy Life,' by Louis N. Parker, to be Produced at the Duke of York's Theatre", The New York Times, December 5, 1897
- ^ Photographs of Vezin in The School for Scandal (1909) – National Portrait Gallery website
External links
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