Booth, Edwin Thomas (1833-1893), ranks among the greatest actors in American theater history. His restrained, subtle style marked a new trend in American acting, replacing the romantic, emotional approach of the previous generation. Booth excelled in thoughtful, tragic roles, such as William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. He directed many of the plays in which he appeared and built his own theater in New York City. The theater opened in 1869.
Booth was born near Bel Air, Maryland, on Nov. 13, 1833. He began his acting career while touring with his father, Junius Brutus Booth, an outstanding but eccentric tragic actor. Edwin Booth developed his craft performing in the towns and mining settlements of California. He moved east in 1856 and soon established himself as an excellent performer. In 1864, in New York City, Booth created the most successful Hamlet of his time, setting a performance record of 100 consecutive nights.
In 1865, Booth’s brother John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Afterwards, Edwin suffered feelings of personal guilt, and he retired temporarily from the stage. He died on June 7, 1893.
