Powers, James T., 1862-1943

Comic actor, songwriter, playwright, and vaudeville comedian based in New York City.

From the description of James Thomas Powers papers, 1860s-1945 and undated. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 32527107

James Thomas Powers (1862-1943) was an actor, playwright, musician, entertainer, comedian, and a general entertainer renowned for his comedic abilities and expressions as well as for his trademark red hair. His wife, Rachel Booth Powers (1862-1955), was also a famous actress in her own right, coming from the Booth family of actors. Powers lived most of his life in and near New York City and, as a result, most of his performances took place on Broadway. Some of the plays in which he performed include: A Runaway Girl, San Toy, A Princess of Kensington, Havana, The Rivals, and The Geisha . In addition to living at the Ansonia Hotel in New York City, and in Richfield Springs, N.Y., the Powers also owned a vacation home on Cape Cod that is depicted in several photographs in this collection.

• 1862: Born as James Thomas McGovern in New York; raised on West 12th Street in New York City
• 1862: Birth of Rachel Booth; raised in Rochester, New York
• 1883: After performing in several small productions, Powers moved to London
• 1885: Powers returned to New York and met Rachel Booth while in the Boston production of Charles Hoyt's A Tin Soldier
• 1892: James Powers and Rachel Booth married
• 1894: James Powers appeared in The New Boy, one of his earliest performances on Broadway
• 1899: Joined "The Players" and began to regularly visit club's rooms in Gramercy Park
• 1901: Appeared in and wrote additional lyrics for The Messenger Boy
• 1909: Appeared in and revised Havana, one of his most famous roles
• 1920: Rachel Booth Powers retired from the stage
• 1935: James Powers appeared in Seven Keys to Baldpate then retired from the stage
• 1935 - 1939 : Wrote and published autobiography entitled Twinkle Little Star: Sparkling Memories of Seventy Years
• 1943 Feb. 11: James Powers passed away
• 1955 July 23: Rachel Booth Powers passed away

From the guide to the James Thomas Powers Papers, 1860s-1945 and undated, (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)