Irving, Sir Henry (1838-1905), was one of the greatest actors and most successful theater managers of his time. He is credited with lifting the social status of the acting profession. He was popular in such roles as Mathias in The Bells and as Shylock in Shakespeare‘s The Merchant of Venice. He toured the United States eight times, from 1883 to 1904. He won fame as a theater manager for his inventiveness and for his attention to detail. In 1895, he was knighted by Queen Victoria, thus becoming the first British actor to receive a knighthood.
Irving was born John Henry Brodribb on Feb. 6, 1838, in Somerset, England. He died on Oct. 13, 1905.
