Thomas A'Becket, Sr. was an actor, musician and writer in the Philadelphia theatre from 1840 to 1889. He acted for both the Arch Street Theatre Company and the Walnut Street Theatre Company though the greatest portion of his time was spent at the Walnut. He acted there 1841-1842;1845- 1847; 1849-1855. After this time he seemed to travel, taking acting jobs in Chicago, St. Louis and other Midwestern cities. A'Becket was known as a major player in the Walnut Street Theatre and played many roles among them Polonius in HAMLET. A'Becket was born on March 17, 1808 and died in Philadelphia on January 6, 1890.
Thomas A'Becket, Jr. was a musician who worked in the Philadelphia area performing in concert ensembles. He also gave music lessons on a daily basis. He was born June 19, 1843, the oldest child of Thomas A'Becket, Sr.
From the guide to the A'Becket family diaries and prompt books, 1840-1890, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)
