Thomas S. Hamblin | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Print of Thomas S. Hamblin, mid 19th century | |
| Born | 14 May 1800 |
| Died | 8 January 1853 (aged 52) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Spouse(s) | 1.Elizabeth Blanchard, 2.Elizabeth Mary Ann Trewar Shaw |
Thomas Souness Hamblin[1] (14 May 1800 – 8 January 1853) was an English actor and theatre manager. He first took the stage in England, then immigrated to the United States in 1825. He received critical acclaim there, and eventually entered theatre management. During his tenure at New York City's Bowery Theatre he helped establish working-class theatre as a distinct form. His policies preferred American actors and playwrights to British ones, making him an important influence in the development of early American drama.
Although he was known as a fair (if shrewd) businessman, Hamblin's reputation was marred by his well-known womanising and brawling. He had affairs with several up-and-coming actresses at his theatre, and he assaulted at least two newspaper editors who had published unflattering stories about him. His behaviour eventually cost him his first wife and resulted in one conviction for assault.
- ^ Bogar, Thomas A. (2017). Thomas Hamblin and the Bowery Theatre: The New York Reign of "Blood and Thunder" Melodramas. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 6. ISBN 978-3-319-68405-5.