Anglin, Margaret, 1876-1958

Canadian actress.

Margaret Anglin (1876-1958) was a Canadian-born actress, director, and producer who was considered one of the finest actresses of her day. Anglin performed on Broadway and around the country from 1889 to 1936. Like many of Broadway's stars at the beginning of the century, Anglin refused to compromise her reputation as a serious actress by performing in the new medium, motion pictures. She was born in Ottawa to T.W. Anglin (Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons) and his wife Ellen, and was educated in convent schools in Toronto and Montreal.

When Anglin was 17, she moved to New York City to study theater under Nelson Wheatcroft. Shortly thereafter she made her professional debut in Shenandoah and by 1898 had not only made her Broadway debut in Lord Chumley, but was touring with Richard Mansfield in Cyrano de Bergerac as Roxanne. She went on to appear in The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windemere's Fan, and Camille . Among Anglin's most notable productions were The Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night, which she performed in repertory on Broadway at the Hudson Theater in 1914.

In 1911 Anglin married actor Howard Hull and became a US Citizen. Well educated and confident, Anglin began producing, directing and starring in productions of classic Greek theater -- often financing extravaganzas with large casts and elaborate sets that produced little income but were regarded artistic achievements. Anglin was a prolific performer, starring in 34 productions on Broadway alone, along with countless touring and regional engagements. She retired from the stage in 1936 after portraying Lady Mary Crab in Fresh Fields . Anglin continued with radio work and dramatic readings through the 1940s, and retired to Toronto in 1953.