Why was IRA aldridge famous?

Answer 1

He was the first Black actor to play white roles, including Shylock, Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth.

After three years of amateur dramatics in New York, Ira realised that there was no future for him as an actor in America, so in 1824, at the age of seventeen, he left for England. He worked his passage to Liverpool as a ship's steward.

Amazingly, in May 1825, he played Othello at the Royalty Theatre in the east end of London and in October took the main role in the Royal Coburg Theatre (now the Old Vic). He played the part of the African prince Oroonoko in The Revolt of Surinam, a story which challenged the evils of slavery.

"the world's most celebrated interpreter of Shakespeare" during his lifetime

brilliant realistic actor

valiant campaigner against slavery.

He performed in all the major towns in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and won international fame when he toured Europe, earning a dozen honours and awards, including a knighthood in Germany. He was idolised in Russia.