The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-12-06
BIOGRAPHY OF COOKE.

The editor OF the Morning Post has anticipa.
ted us in giving the suboined account of this un-
rivaiied actor to which we annex the opinion
OF lively and capable writer, on his talents in
his profession and his accomplishments and ana
lities as man IN r. Colombian
George Frederick Cooke, actor, was born in
Dublin, 1856, his father being subaltern in one
OF the regiments that composed the then carri
son. He was brought to London during his in.
fancy, and, when seven years old, was sent to
school IN the North Of England Here he
renamed eight years during which time he
lmbi.ed passion for the stage. His first thea
Ticai attempt was in q private play with his
school fellows, when he performed Horatio, be.
| ing obliged TO resign Hamlet, the character he
desired, to senior boy but his triumph was an
ample compensation for his disappointment, as
horato, that night, Runaway with all the an
plause from Hamle;. In 177l, he went tn sea
| and afterwards was put out to busness--but
when he became his own master, he induced
ms Inclination, and made his first appearance OH
public stage in Castalio, (the Orphan) at Hay.
market theatre, for the benefit of Mrs Massey.
WITH SO much success, that he resolved to make
= mss profession Accordingly he joined pro.
vlncial company, and, having acquired CONNIE
tent knowledge OF stage business, became the
hero at York, New Castle, Chester Mancbes,nr
Liverpool &c. &c. In 1894, he was ENGAGED
oy Mr. DAILY, the then Dublin manager, where
he performed season with such cons;deroh,,
rfN
named three years with the new manager. Mr.
ZONES Having then received an engagement
from Mr.. Harris, he made his first appearance
at Coveht Garden theatre Oct 81, 1900. in
King Richard III, which he repeated several
nights, with so much success, that the manager
increased e, ms salary, and gave him an early ben
eht. Has Shyiock, Sir Archy M'Sarcasm, Iapo.
kItely, Sir Giles Overreach, Macbeth. &c. baye
given much satisfaction.
This actor, during his theatrical career hoe
experienced both the frowns and smiles of for
tune The play of Richard Ill was intend, a
Ior inc opening OF Covent Garden in the season
iSol but the deputy managers letter which
was addressed to Mr.. Cooke, at Manchester on.
pricing him thereof, was not received in time
IN consequence of his departure from that town
and the very night that was announced for his
performance at Covent Garden, he played for his
own dement, at New Castle, when in conse-
quence OF his eXertions, he i, said to have hrI
ken blood vessel, which retarded his return =,
London. on his temperance at Covent Gar.
den, he MADE an apology, which was well re.
ceived. A kind Of rivalship took Dlace bet,yeeo
him and Mi. Kemble, then ut Dury lane in the
character of Richard, which produced pam
Pnlets, both partially written, the one in praise
or Cooke, ana the other of Kemble Each een
tleman has peculiar merit so had Sber;3sn
Mossop, GUN, Henderson, Smith, &c who were
also competitors IN this part with Garrick -
This rivalshiP, however, has terminated &C ~
ksmoie belongs now TO the same theatre, and
affairs are so amicably arranged, that Mr.. Cooke
retains his characters; while at times, both ner.
formers frequently play together.
Ihe;piar Dictionary.
George Cooke, is so well known as an actor.
that my opinion can neither add to, nor diminish
his fame were either in my power, panegvric
would run thro' dozen pages, and vet fall Short
OF ms merits In some characters he is as much
superior to any actor oftlle present day, as Gar.
i'oH was 10 'iose Oh ms Tune but they are linn
rted ~ suciI parts suit his figure, which wants
grace and proportion where these can be dis
pensed with, he has no cnmnetitor Aa -