Jefferson, Joseph (1829-1905), became one of the most popular and respected American comic actors of the 1800’s. He gained immense popularity for his performance in the title role of Rip Van Winkle. Jefferson first appeared in the play in London in 1865. He began performing it in the United States in 1866 and spent the next 38 years touring the country as Rip. The actor collaborated with the Irish-American playwright Dion Boucicault on the play, which was a dramatization of a short story by Washington Irving.
Jefferson was born in Philadelphia. He made his stage debut at the age of 3. He performed in over 100 plays before he began starring in Rip Van Winkle. His Autobiography (1890) provides a vivid account of the United States theater in the 1800’s.
