Richard Burbage

Richard Burbage
Unknown for sure; reputedly a self-portrait by Richard Burbage · Public domain · source
Name	Richard Burbage
Occupation	Actor and theatre owner
Nationality	English
Spouse	Winifred Turner

Richard Burbage was a renowned English actor and theatre owner, closely associated with William Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain's Men. He was the son of James Burbage, a carpenter and actor, and the brother of Cuthbert Burbage, who also worked in the theatre. Burbage's career was marked by his performances in plays by Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and Christopher Marlowe, and he was a key figure in the development of the English Renaissance theatre. He was also a close friend and colleague of Henry Condell and John Heminges, who would later publish the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays.

Early Life and Family

Burbage was born in London around 1567, to a family of actors and theatre owners. His father, James Burbage, was a member of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters and had built the Theatre in Shoreditch, where Burbage would later perform. Burbage's mother was Ellen Burbage, and he had several siblings, including Cuthbert Burbage and Alice Burbage. He was educated at a local school and likely began his acting career at a young age, performing in plays by Shakespeare and other prominent playwrights of the time, such as Robert Greene and Thomas Nashe.

Career

Burbage's career as an actor and theatre owner spanned several decades, during which he performed in numerous plays by Shakespeare, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello. He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theatre company that later became known as the King's Men, and performed at the Globe Theatre and other venues in London. Burbage was known for his powerful stage presence and his ability to bring complex characters to life, and he was particularly admired for his performances in Shakespeare's tragedies, such as Macbeth and King Lear. He also performed in plays by other prominent playwrights of the time, including Ben Jonson's Volpone and Christopher Marlowe's Tamburlaine the Great.

Major Roles and Legacy

Burbage's most famous roles include Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth, which he performed at the Globe Theatre and other venues in London. He was also known for his performances in Shakespeare's comedies, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Twelfth Night. Burbage's legacy as an actor and theatre owner has endured for centuries, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest actors of the English Renaissance theatre. He was a key figure in the development of the English theatre, and his performances helped to establish Shakespeare as one of the greatest playwrights of all time. Burbage's influence can be seen in the work of later actors and theatre owners, such as David Garrick and Sarah Siddons, who performed at the Drury Lane Theatre and other venues in London.

Personal Life and Death

Burbage married Winifred Turner in 1603, and the couple had seven children together. He was a close friend and colleague of Henry Condell and John Heminges, who would later publish the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays. Burbage died on March 13, 1619, at the age of 52, and was buried in the St. Leonard's Church in Shoreditch. His death was a significant loss to the English theatre, and he was remembered by his contemporaries as a great actor and theatre owner. Burbage's legacy has endured for centuries, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest actors of the English Renaissance theatre, alongside other notable figures such as Edward Alleyn and Thomas Betterton.

Impact on Theatre

Burbage's impact on the English theatre was significant, and he played a key role in the development of the English Renaissance theatre. He was a pioneer of the English stage, and his performances helped to establish Shakespeare as one of the greatest playwrights of all time. Burbage's influence can be seen in the work of later actors and theatre owners, such as David Garrick and Sarah Siddons, who performed at the Drury Lane Theatre and other venues in London. He was also a key figure in the development of the Globe Theatre, which was built by his brother Cuthbert Burbage and became one of the most famous theatres in London. Burbage's legacy continues to be felt today, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest actors of the English Renaissance theatre, alongside other notable figures such as William Kempe and Robert Armin. Category:English actors