The New York herald., 1878-12-05
A GOLDEN WEDDING.
An Actor Who Has Been Fifty
Years on the Stage.
THE NESTOR OF THE DRAMA.
Pleasant "reminiscences from the Lips Of
"Uncle" John Gilbert

cupeu Dy the veteran actor JOnn llDert, on Le1lnS
ton avenue When one goes there to enjoy remi-
niscences that full half century ne finds the
associations fully in keeping with the place. Ganc-
ing around the walls you pictures Of actors and
actresses whose names have long since been written
tombstones-old friends Of the living repre-
sentative who sits at yonder table; but
he will turn you to his library and,
in addition to his own personal memories. point
out where history has recorded their reputation and
preserved to with loving duty interesting mar
rative OF early dramatic experience. 1t is rare III
America that actor outlives book in his own
collection and that when forgotten date an old
picture suggests incident the pleasant gossip OF
contemporary surround it with the sparkle of
intelligent description. and conversationaly wed
the present and the past.
1t was under these pleasant conditions that writer
for the HERALD found the veteran at home and sue
ceeded in engaging him in conversation. The two
had not before met away FROM the STAGE and conse-
quently. the hand. the impressions were
fresh. The physique of Mr. Gilbert is familiar to
every old playgoer in New York Notwithstanding
his nearly seventy years Of life experience he stands
erect and straight Indian. Correct habits and
the careful observance Of hygienic rules have pre-
served his health that scarcely wrinkle marks the
ravages of time; the eye is undimmed the voice
clear the step elastic and the virliy Of manhood is
apparently as little undsturbed it would be If he
only just crossing the equatorial line of fifty
"REMINISCENCES.
It not easy to draw the veteran out Of his she'll
for while he is favorite member Of the Lambs
Club. resort on Union square. where one may meet
the most famous professionals of the metropolis.
and there occasionally breaks loose in anecdote for
he is charming rdconteuy). his modesty, when ap-
preached by journalist makes him retcent and he
do fbap nawar lirec u1Ieafioua.
of these follow
In view of your coming anniversary" said the re-
porter II have called to obtain from you of the
leading facts connected with your career"
"You quite welcome" said Mr.. Gilbert "but
scarcely know where to commence You will best
understand me when show you this diary OF my
work. in which is record of upward of eleven hun
dred and fifty characters that have personated since
made my first appearance. BY the way. first ap-
pcaranccs and those of fifty years ago mate
rally differ. Now it is less question of in
fuence. dress and money. Then it was matter of
merit For instance, when wanted to go upon the
stage land / ambitious rs anybody well
could bel it was necessary for me to rehearse
before committee of judges. These consisted
of three four chosen friends Of the management
who supposed to more or less OF Judiciary
power and to exercise the same in considering the
applications OF all debutantes. 1t was critical mo-
ment with me, for was only eighteen years OF age
Nevertheless passed the Rubicon, successfully re-
Sir Edward Mortimer and Shylock. My first part
in the play have hrst named. 1t perform ed
at the fremont Theatre on Friday evening" November
2S, 1928 was supported in this and many subse
Quent performances by the famous Mrs Duff. one OF
the most beautiful and accomplished women then on
the stage. Afterward became regular member OF
the fremont Theatre and cast for variety Of
parts. remember that Edwin Forrest played in our
company about this time"
Iut how did you happen at early An age to drift
into the line or .old menT"
II can scarcely tell you. Like most young actors
optbif %vua <o ata
thought in my innocence that that was my r6s Bur
ton. the comedian fell into similar and
like myself only cured Of his delusion by accident
Man proposes. but God disposes.' The truth is"
remarked Mr.. Gilbert. "young actors frequently make
mistake IN depending on their unaidsd instincts cts
cumstances that they sometimes hit upon the real
field in life for which they are intended. think l
discovered my vocation during tour through the
South and West. which at that time, by the way, was
suggestive Of anything but comfort. Travelling ia
cuities were scant and the American drama in its
germ played on this trip Sir Anthony Absolute.
Master Walter and other familiar characters in this
vein with such success a. to determine my career.
Doubtless you know the rest
MANOR BORN.
"From your style of speech you are evidently not
an Americana"
'Quite the contrary. / proud to say
that I am to the manor born tspelt with an
ol; that | claim Boston as my birthplace. and
cut English, 1t Is the result of study and habit.
Charlotte Cushman was born next door. in Richmond
street few years later. and lifelong friends
until her death" "a beautiful life size crayon Like
ness of the dead actress hung upon the wal)
"And your boyhood days?"
my dear sir, without event" Summarized. my
christening and short clothes were followed by
Mayncw school and finally at the high school Here
they used to like my cocution on defamation days,
and I'm not sure that it didn't have effect on me
subsequently,. Afterward l went into dry goods
shop with my uncle, but becoming weary or the
monotony OF this Kind of business started. told
you just now learned some parts and went before
the cpnSOra. You know the rest. This however,
only parenthetcaly"
after your Southern and Western experience what
did you dor
Game back to the North fast conveyance
would bring me- and commenced u series Of engage
ments. In 1884 1 played Old Dornton in the Road
to Ruin at the fremont; in Evadne. the celebrated
Mrs. Peoy taking the title role and great number OF
think was the last actor who spoke upon the boards
of the Old fremont. When IL was rebuilt 1t was
opened with hymn beginning. Lord let these ran
,omed walls rejoice land the old actor laughed at the
dea). kalloch used to preach there Probably you
have heard q him since. for most Journalists have
published his reputation. subsequently acted Tor
period at the Bowery in this city.
AN INCIDENT.
by the way, II may not be an unnerestng incident
among your notes to state that while playing round
of characters with the elder Booth at the
National Theatre Boston, found myself in a curious
predicament. Booth was not TO be found. The great
crowd assembled grew impatient aud the manage
mcnt almost in despair. At this junctnrc an
appeal was made to me e go wn on IN the % character & q
to kill time. 1 was dressed for another
part. but quickly changing went on and quieed
the cominotion until Booth could be found Then l
hai to hurry to the dressing room and change again
for the character of Henry for the first scene in
Richard ILL., During the second Booth stag
gercd to the stage and endcavored to recic his lines
but eventually Obliged to retire. The audience
took the incident kindly for the toibles of the great
trsgelan were well understood and the play went on.
liz the subsequent scene IN the tower where Henry IL
killed by Richard, was seated on couch Mr..
Booth walked leisurely across the stage aud raid:
John. get up; l want to lie down.. Of course there
was another commotion, IN the midst OF which Mr..
Booth was gently removed from the stage and sent
dome.
MARRIAGE AND TRIP TO ENGLAND.
My first marriage, said Mr.. Gilbert now thor
oughly partakng of the reminiscent spirit, war to
Miss Campbell in 1896. and with her in ls45 visited
England This was a and comp ,ratiycly un-
familiar phase of life; but was warmly received by
the English people everywhere. Iplaycd an engage
ment ut the Princess Theatre, opening as Sir Robert
Branble in the Poor Gentleman II had cho-
sen to remain ! might have done so with much
proh: but blood, you know, IL thicker than
water and 1 preferred the faces Of my
own people; that after couple Of