Frederick Warde was an American actor, known for his roles in King Lear, The Life and Death of King Richard III, and A Lover’s Oath. Born in England in 1851, he became well-known for his Shakespearean performances in the 1870s in New York.
Personal and Family Life
Frederick Warde was born Frederick Barkham Warde on February 23, 1851, in Wardington, Oxfordshire, England. He was married to actress Annie Edmondson, and they had four children together. His children included Ernest C. Warde, a director, and Arthur Frederick Warde, a press agent. Warde also toured with the famous actor Edwin Booth, further establishing his presence in the theater world.
Career Highlights
Warde’s career flourished during the late 19th century as a Shakespearean actor. By the 1910s, while his popularity began to wane, he still remained a respected figure in Shakespearean acting. Notable performances include portraying Richard III in 1912 at the age of 61. He also delivered lectures on Shakespeare and performed monologues between film screenings, connecting theater with early cinema.
Death and Legacy
Frederick Warde passed away on February 7, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, due to heart trouble. He left behind a rich legacy as a prominent Shakespearean actor and a pioneer who bridged live theater and film. His contributions are remembered through his performances and the impact he had on the acting community.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| King Lear | 1916-12-17 | King Lear |
| The Life and Death of King Richard III | 1912-10-15 | Richard, Duke of Gloucester, afterward Richard III |
| A Lover’s Oath | 1925-09-29 | Omar Khayyam |
| The Fires of Youth | 1917-06-16 | Iron Hearted Pemberton |
| The Vicar of Wakefield | 1917-02-24 | Vicar |
| Silas Marner | 1916-02-18 | Silas |
| Under False Colors | 1917-09-23 | John Colton |
| Rich Man, Poor Man | 1918-04-22 | John K. Beeston |