# Men of the Time, eleventh edition/Bandmann, Daniel Edward

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​BANDMANN, Daniel Edward, a popular actor, born at Cassel, Germany, Nov. 1, 1839. The instinct for acting was apparent in him at a very early age, for in his childhood he used to invite his play-fellows to the cellar, to play scenes out of the Bible, such as "Adam and Eve," when he spoke both the parts, and filled up the dialogue with flashes of lightning through a tin pipe, when God called upon Cain for his brother Abel. At the age of eighteen he made his first appearance on the stage at the Court Theatre of Neu-Strelitz, where he at once became a great favourite with the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg, who took a personal interest in his career, and aided him in his profession. His next engagement was at Prague, whence he proceeded to Grätz, Weimar, Pesth, and Vienna. In all these towns he acquired great popularity as an actor of Shaksperean characters. Failing health, consequent on severe study, necessitated a voyage to New York, where, after a short rest, he was requested by his fellow-countrymen to play for a few nights at the Stadt-Theater, where his acting speedily attracted the notice of journalists and critics, who pronounced the enthusiastic German to be one of the greatest actors of the period. It was in New York that Mr. Bandmann first began the study of the English language, and it is remarked that in six weeks' time he was able to act Shylock at Niblo's Garden, speaking the language of its author—his teacher being an accomplished English lady. His success was highly encouraging. The German play of "Narcisse" was afterwards translated for him, and with a répertoire embracing Hamlet, Shylock, Macbeth, Richard the Third, Othello, Iago, Benedick, and Richelieu, he made a tour of five years through the United States, his success being really wonderful. He played the part of Hamlet in Philadelphia, by invitation of the Shakspere Society, upon the occasion of the ​tercentenary of the Swan of Avon's birthday; and so highly was his style of acting appreciated that a crown of laurel in solid silver was presented to him as a memorial of the occurrence. In San Francisco he was presented with a handsome gold medal, upon which were placed his initials in diamonds and other precious stones. His career in America was a very triumphant one, but his great ambition was to play in London. Accordingly in Feb., 1868, he appeared at the Lyceum Theatre, in "Narcisse," his success being so great that the late Lord Lytton, who witnessed the performance, invited him to Knebworth, when his lordship said he was the only actor he had seen, since the days of Macready, who inspired him to work again for the stage. An intimacy sprung up between them, and Lord Lytton re-wrote for Mr. Bandmann his drama of "The Sea Captain," which was produced at the Lyceum Theatre, under the title of "The Rightful Heir," and had a run of three months. Mr. Bandmann next made a tour through the English provinces; and in 1869 he went to Australia, where he stayed for twelve months. He returned to England by way of Honolulu, where he played before the late King Kaméhaméha, who invited him to his palace. In Jan., 1877, he played once more in Berlin, in his native tongue, Hamlet, Othello, and Shylock, creating a most decided enthusiasm, which was flatteringly acknowledged by the entire press. Since his return he has made three tours through the United Kingdom. Mr. Bandmann married in Feb., 1869, Miss Milly Palmer, who accompanies him on his tours. In the course of his last professional tour round the world he visited America and our Australian colonies. In New Zealand in particular he was remarkably successful, and created intense enthusiasm. He also visited Calcatta and other cities of India (Dec. 1881); and in May, 1882, he was performing Shaksperean characters at Shanghai.