John Dillon (comedian)

For other people named John Dillon, see John Dillon (disambiguation).

John Dillon
Born
John Daily Marum

October 2, 1831
Ireland
DiedApril 22, 1913(1913-04-22) (aged 81)
Chicago, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian

John Dillon (born John Daily Marum; October 2, 1831 – April 22, 1913) was an Irish-American comedian based in Chicago and popular in the central part of the United States in the late 19th century.

Dillon was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, on October 2, 1831, and came to the United States at age 17 in 1848.[1] Making his way from New York City to Buffalo, and then to Chicago, he started doing factory work. He later began playing small theater roles, debuting in Milwaukee in May 1854.[2] He later went back in Chicago, where he joined the McVicker's Theatre company.

After a few years, Dillon went to New York and joined Laura Keene's company in 1862, and gained attention for his comedic skills.[3] From 1864 to 1866, he was the head comedian at Wood's Museum.[2] He then moved back to Chicago, touring the West frequently and becoming a "household word."[4][5][6] In 1875, he returned to New York to appear in A. Oakey Hall's play The Crucible. He continued to perform through the 1880s and 1890s.

Dillon died in Chicago on April 22, 1913.[7]

  1. ^ Sherman, Robert Lowery. Actors and authors: with composers and managers who helped make them famous; a chronological record and brief biography of theatrical celebrities from 1750 to 1950, p. 163 (1951)
  2. ^ a b (12 November 1898). Professional Doings, New York Dramatic Mirror, p. 15
  3. ^ (18 November 1879). John Dillon: Brief Sketch of His Early Career as a Comedian, Daily Herald
  4. ^ (9 April 1887). Gossip of the Town, New York Dramatic Mirror
  5. ^ Graham, Franklin. Histrionic Montreal, p. 217 (2d ed. 1902)
  6. ^ (11 January 1876). Amusements: Mr. John Dillon at the Park Theatre, New York Herald
  7. ^ (23 April 1913). Veteran Comedian Dead, The Evening World