William Terriss
#176211 Most Popular
About
Stage actor of the 19th century, best known for his swashbuckling roles such as Robin Hood, and also his notoriety as a Shakespearean actor. In 1880, he starred at the Lyceum Theatre in such hits from Henry Irving as Othello, Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice. The New York Dramatic Mirror called Terriss "one of the greatest and next to Henry Irving undoubtedly the most popular actor in England".
Before Fame
His birth name was William Charles James Lewin, but he chose the stage name William Terriss after leaving the merchant navy. In 1871, he appeared in the West End in the production of Society. He rose to fame in the same year with such performances as Robin Hood, and the play Rebecca.
Trivia
He was stabbed to death in 1897 by deranged actor, Richard Archer Prince, at the stage door of the Adelphi Theatre. His ghost is said to haunt that location as well as the Covent Garden tube station. In his last moments of life, he uttered the words, "I will be back." He traveled extensively throughout his life.
Family Life
He was married to Isabelle Lewis who went by the stage name of Amy Fellowes. He was the father of Ellaline Terriss, an Edwardian musical comedy star, and the film director Tom Terriss.
Associated With
He played Romeo opposite actress Mary Anderson's Juliet in an 1895 performance of Romeo and Juliet.
