Ellen Tree

Tree, Ellen (1805–80), actress. The romantic English leading lady made her American debut at the Park Theatre in 1836 as Rosalind. Many considered her a great beauty, albeit some, such as Ireland, complained of her elongated neck and slightly stooped shoulders. Similarly, her acting divided critics, many considering her art not yet fully developed. Nevertheless, in the three years she remained here she proved a major attraction for playgoers as Lady Teazle, Letitia Hardy in The Lyons Mail, Julia in The Hunchback, and Marianna in The Wife. After marrying Charles Kean she made two later visits, in 1845 and 1864. Whatever beauty she had possessed had faded, but her acting had noticeably matured. On these returns she offered her Beatrice, Ophelia, and Portia, as well as leading roles in numerous popular contemporary pieces.