Frank Mayo

Mayo, Frank (1839–96), actor. The Boston‐born performer made his professional debut in San Francisco in 1856 and within a few years had earned an excellent reputation, especially in Shakespearean roles. His first major New York appearance was as Ferdinand in The Tempest (1869). By that time his fame was such that he received billing and pay second only to E. L. Davenport, who played Prospero. Apparently feeling he could not be certain of a steady income in Shakespearean roles, Mayo soon turned to popular new plays, achieving his greatest success as Davy Crockett (1873). Laurence Hutton wrote, “Mr. Frank Mayo's performance. . . is a gem in its way. He is quiet and subdued, he looks and walks and talks the trapper to the life, never overacts and never forgets the character he represents.” He played the part for the remainder of his career, only occasionally essaying other new roles or returning to his old Shakespearean repertory.

For the silent screen American actor, see Frank Mayo (actor).

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Frank Mayo
Born	1839 Boston, Massachusetts
Died	1896
Occupation	Stage actor

Frank Mayo (1839-1896) was an American actor and comedian, born in Boston, Massachusetts.

He moved to San Francisco where at seventeen years of age he began his career and within a few years was appearing with the young Edwin Booth. He won applause in some classic roles, but his first great success was as Badger in The Streets of New York which he appeared in in Boston in August of 1865. In 1872 he brought out Davy Crockett, a backwoods character which endeared him to the public. In later years he played in "Davy Crockett" revivals.

Mark Twain's Pudd'nhead Wilson was a character well suited to display his talents as a comedian. Other favorite roles were in "Nordeck" and "The Royal Guard". Mayo is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

External links

• Biography-West Laurel Hill Cemetery web site

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