Ira Aldridge

Ira Aldridge
Portrait of Aldridge by James Northcote, 1826
Born(1807-07-24)July 24, 1807
New York City, United States
DiedAugust 7, 1867(1867-08-07) (aged 60)
Łódź, Poland
Burial placeOld Łódź Cemetery, Poland
CitizenshipUnited States, United Kingdom
Occupation(s)Actor, playwright
Years active1820s–1867
Spouses
ChildrenIra Daniel, Amanda, Ira Frederick, Luranah, Rachael

Ira Frederick Aldridge (July 24, 1807 – August 7, 1867) was an American-born British actor, playwright, and theatre manager, known for his portrayal of Shakespearean characters. James Hewlett and Aldridge are regarded as the first Black American tragedians.

Born in New York City, Aldridge's first professional acting experience was in the early 1820s with the African Grove Theatre troupe. Facing discrimination in America, he left in 1824 for England and made his debut at London's Royal Coburg Theatre. As his career grew, his performances of Shakespeare's classics eventually met with critical acclaim and he subsequently became the manager of Coventry's Coventry Theatre Royal. From 1852, Aldridge regularly toured much of Continental Europe and received top honours from several heads of state. He died suddenly while on tour in Poland and was buried with honours in Łódź.

Aldridge is the only actor of African-American descent honoured with a bronze plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Two of Aldridge's daughters, Amanda and Luranah, became professional opera singers.