Lewis Morrison on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
Lewis Morrison (September 4, 1844 – August 18, 1906) was a Jamaican-born American stage actor and theatrical manager, born Moritz (or Morris) W. Morris. He was best known for his portrayal of
Born Morris W. Morris, after the Civil War he became a stage actor using the name Lewis Morrison. He first performed in New Orleans beginning in minor roles with Edwin Booth and
portrait gallery
(NY Public library, Billy Rose collection) 1844 births 1906 deaths Emigrants from British Jamaica to the United States 19th-century American male actors American male stage actors People of Louisiana in the American Civil War Jewish Confederates {{US-theat-actor-1840s-stub
Mephistopheles
Mephistopheles (, ), also known as Mephisto, is a demon featured in German folklore. He originally appeared in literature as the demon in the Faust legend, and he has since appeared in other works as a stock character (see: Mephistopheles i ...
in his own production of ''Faust
Faust is the protagonist of a classic German legend based on the historical Johann Georg Faust ( 1480–1540).
The erudite Faust is highly successful yet dissatisfied with his life, which leads him to make a pact with the Devil at a crossroa ...
'', which he performed from 1885 to 1906. He was the father of actress Adrienne Morrison
Mabel Adrienne Morrison (March 1, 1883 – November 20, 1940) was an American stage actress of the early 20th century. She married actor Richard Bennett, with whom she had three daughters who later would become actresses.
Early years
Adrienne ...
, and grandfather of Constance, Barbara and Joan Bennett
Joan Geraldine Bennett (February 27, 1910 – December 7, 1990) was an American stage, film, and television actress. She came from a show-business family, one of three acting sisters. Beginning her career on the stage, Bennett appeared in more t ...
.
Biography
Born Morris W. Morris, after the Civil War he became a stage actor using the name Lewis Morrison. He first performed in New Orleans beginning in minor roles with Edwin Booth and Charlotte Cushman
Charlotte Saunders Cushman (July 23, 1816 – February 18, 1876) was an American stage actress. Her voice was noted for its full contralto register, and she was able to play both male and female parts. She lived intermittently in Rome, in an expa ...
until he was featured in larger parts. He became a well-known actor in New Orleans and moved on to the stage in New York, where he gained greater fame in ''Faust''. He founded his own traveling theater troupe and traveled the world playing the role of Mephistopheles.
Personal life
Morrison was married first to Anglo-American actress Rose Wood. He was the father of actresses Rosabel Morrison andAdrienne Morrison
Mabel Adrienne Morrison (March 1, 1883 – November 20, 1940) was an American stage actress of the early 20th century. She married actor Richard Bennett, with whom she had three daughters who later would become actresses.
Early years
Adrienne ...
; grandfather of actresses Constance, Barbara and Joan Bennett
Joan Geraldine Bennett (February 27, 1910 – December 7, 1990) was an American stage, film, and television actress. She came from a show-business family, one of three acting sisters. Beginning her career on the stage, Bennett appeared in more t ...
; and great-grandfather of television talk show host Morton Downey Jr.
Morrison and Rose Wood were divorced in 1890. He married the much younger stage actress Florence Roberts
Florence Roberts (March 16, 1861/1864 – June 6, 1940(photo included) was an American actress of the stage and in motion pictures.
Stock company actress
Born in New York City, she began acting onstage there. Her career began at the Brooklyn ...
in 1892.
References
Sources
*External links
portrait gallery
(NY Public library, Billy Rose collection) 1844 births 1906 deaths Emigrants from British Jamaica to the United States 19th-century American male actors American male stage actors People of Louisiana in the American Civil War Jewish Confederates {{US-theat-actor-1840s-stub