1837
Charles Wyndham aged 22 as US Army Surgeon
Today, born to Liverpool doctor Robert James Culverwell, a son Charles.
Despite being educated for a medical career, young Charles was to ultimately change his surname to Wyndham and become one of the best known actor-managers in British theatre history.
Lured to the stage by performing in local amateur dramatics, he made his professional debut alongside Ellen Terry in 1862. After moving to America he struggled to find work and returned to medicine. With America in the throes of the Civil War, surgeons were heavily in demand and he served in several of the major battles.
The stage however was too strong a draw and he returned to England to develop a solid career in the popular comedies and melodramas of the mid-late 19th century. He was best known for his roles as Charles Surface in Sheridan’s “School for Scandal” and in James Albery’s “Pink Dominoes” .
In 1876 he took over the Criterion Theatre to much success and in 1899 built his own, the Wyndham’s Theatre. In 1903 his New Theatre completed the trio.
In 1916 after the death of his first wife he married his leading lady and business partner of 30 years, Mary Moore, and is buried with them both in Hampstead Cemetery.
Wyndham’s Theatre
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