Neilson, Adelaide, 1848-1880

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1848-03-03
Death 1880-08-15

Biographical notes:

Adelaide Neilson was an English Shakespearean actress.

From the description of Miscellaneous manuscripts, n.d. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155886279

Adelaide Neilson, on of the most popular and successful 19th century actresses was born in or near Leeds, Yorkshire, England.

She was born out of wedlock and never knew her father. Her mother married a Mr. Bland and the family settled in Guiseley. The young Lizzie Ann (Miss Neilson's real name) worked in a mill and then as a nurse girl. She was probably seventeen when she made her way to London where she subsequently began her acting career. Her first appearance was in 1865 at the Margate Theatre. From 1870 on "she was a reigning actress of the English stage" and was popular in America as well. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Juliet in Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET. She married Philip Henry Lee in 1864. This ended in divorce. She died quite suddenly in Paris in 1880.

From the description of Adelaide Neilson papers, 1870-1911. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122378750

Adelaide Neilson, one of the most popular and successful nineteenth century actresses, was born in 1848 in or near Leeds, Yorkshire, England. She was born out of wedlock and never knew her father. Her mother married a Mr. Bland and the family settled in Guiseley. The young Lizzie Ann (Miss Neilson's real name) worked in a mill and then as a nurse girl. She was about seventeen when she made her way to London where she subsequently began her acting career. Her first appearance was in 1865 at the Margate Theatre. From 1870 until her death in 1880 "she was a reigning actress of the English stage" and was popular in America as well. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Juliet.

Her marriage to Philip Henry Lee in 1864 ended in divorce. She died quite suddenly in 1880.

From the guide to the Adelaide Neilson papers, 1870-1911, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

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Subjects:

  • Theater
  • Juliet (Fictitious character)
  • Theater 19th century

Occupations:

  • Compilers

Places:

  • England (as recorded)

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