Charles Macklin | |
|---|---|
 Portrait by John Opie, 1792 | |
| Born | 26 September 1699 |
| Died | 11 July 1797 (aged 97) London, England |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known for | Acting in the natural style |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Jones |
| Partner | Ann Grace Purvor |
| Children | Maria Macklin |
Charles Macklin (26 September 1699 – 11 July 1797), (Gaelic: Cathal MacLochlainn, English: Charles McLaughlin), was an Irish actor and dramatist who performed extensively at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Macklin revolutionised theatre in the 18th century by introducing a "natural style" of acting. He is also famous for accidentally killing a man during a fight over a wig at the same theatre.
Macklin was born in County Donegal in the Irish region of Ulster in the north of Ireland. He was raised in Dublin, where he attended school in Islandbridge after his father's death and his mother's remarriage. Macklin became known for his many performances in the tragedy and comedy genre of plays. He gained his greatest fame in the role of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Macklin enjoyed a long career which was often steeped in controversy before dying aged 97.