The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-25
Charles John Kenn.

Charles John kenn. A
The cable the death OF this distinguished
tragedian in London Thursday last In the
enth year OF his agc W
Mr. Kean was born in Waterford Ireland, January
49, ISL. He was tho son OF tho celebrated Edmund
Kean Of the greatest tho English Or
indeed, tho worlds stage He was sent to Eaton in
1874, whore be remained three years. exhibiting ab
ties OF high order, but was prevented from concluding
his collegiate course by tho bankruptcy Of his father
which compelled him to hs homo to aid his
mother, then in the deepest distress.
Thrown on his own resources, he determined TO
adopt the stage profession and accepted In 1927 an
offer from tho lessee OF the Drury Lane theatre to
play for three years AZ . saiary Of Gl0 per
secoud ana sia Der week for tho third year. His
the tragedy OF Douglass" but the uni.
vcrsa verdict OF the press and pnoc Of the time that
he \ complete failure The following year beconn.
ing reconced with his father he made tour MIN
the hces play Ing subordinate paris In October
1929, he appeared again in London in the character
Sir Robert Mortimer, when he made decided hit and
thencsorh became one OF tho fayores of the London
audiences. He made his first visI TO the United States
IN 1880 and remained here for three years, enjoy
hisnly successful career which neLted him large
Of money. On his return 10 England IN 1888 he de.
cned TO play in London unless he received fifty pounds
sterling night shch the managers did not
proper 10 give him. For 1ge years subsequently he
plan ed In the provincial theatres ana high
reputa ION that the manager OF Drurv Lane offered him
0 munihcent engagement which he accepted, aud he
made his second appearance IN Loudon IN "Hamlet.
lis success vas great The following he aSain
visited tnis country, returning to England the
year. 10 lsi2 no was married 10 M accomplished
actress, Miss Flee Tree Again, in 1S45 he visited the
United States nnf played q ssres OF cnarac with
vile In The priIc pal cities for two On his
~ his native land he played a number OF highly sue
ccssui engagements throughout England and per.
formed t~o seasons al the Lay market, aud
In 1881 he becsmo the lessoe tho Princess
theatre, when hs proiuces 'Nacbeln.' .'kng
JOAN ".'Rchlri Ill !" .Rchard H." "Tue Tempest,
ana ctuer Sha< spearanspays This sp enaid revival
added greatly to Dir. Kcans growing reputation. In
1919 he selected by the Queen to skc charge OF
dpmt 10 soircos at Windsor where no displayed his
managerial powers IN creditabls stye. His final
to the United States was made In 1865 when his
marked as ever. Ec played ut the broadway
teare, where he appeared Cardinal Woolsey 10 his
wiiss Queen Caaarine IN "Lcnry VIII Since his
return 70 England lie has played only occasieniy; but
hs appearan was always greeted oy largo houses aud
viii ieat enthusiasm.
the stage. as was oarsh sharp ana dis,grssabe.
His lace wnen Composed. not attractive, bat
Susceptible OF aoisand and one expressions which
Ar koan we'll kuew how 20 command. Although his
voice was brd Nt kean succeeded BY mere fofcs OF
iuclicc careful and prolonged study and ireless do
votion 10 his pr0fession to take front rank tho
TRAGIC sta.e AMI to gain reputation almost equal
thai Of ns srfat father He lid not the tn
spraton and genius Of that celebrated actor bat at
ned The Hnest conception OF tho characters play sd
text lie was sJme~bat artificial as an actor. buI his
perfect kooweGg of tho stage and stage business,
all is minute detail gave him advantage taat only
one o. his peculiar talent could MAKE avslabie and
elective. Win ell bis natural defects he attained and
held TO his death reputation which not second 10
that Of any actor OF bis time.
sr Kesn le large fortune, the fruits Of his
fui professional nfe