Forbes-Robertson, Sir Johnston

Forbes-Robertson, Sir Johnston,

1853–1937, English actor-manager. He was trained by Samuel Phelps, made his first appearance in 1874, and thereafter performed with the Bancrofts (1878), John Hare, and Henry Irving (1882). His portrayal of Hamlet was said to be the greatest of his time. In 1900 he married Gertrude Elliott, an American actress, with whom he often starred. Forbes-Robertson was gaunt in appearance, but graceful and elegant in style, and possessed a magnificent speaking voice. He was knighted in 1913 and retired in the same year.

Bibliography

See his autobiographical Player under Three Reigns (1925).