The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-03-20

Jefferson, Couldocki Stoddart, a trio Of
veterans, whose names are inseparabIy
associated with the American stage past
and present, and whose achievements
have made noteworthy its repute. The
last named, alone, is q factor in theatri-
cal life Of today, for Jefferson's brief APP
pcarances are made at long intervals and
Couldock has permanently retired.
"Old" J. II. Stoddart as he is affection
ately known in the profession is seventy
years Of age; his dramatic usefulness
having extended over q period Of sixty
five years. Yet he is now in the thick of
the fray, refusing TO relinquish the posi-
ton held so long and so nobly. in the
front ranks Of the army of players and
attacking with all the enthusiasm Of
tyro Il new role, that Of Lachlan Camp
bell. in Ian Maclaren's "BAside the Bon
ME BrieT Bush" Technically speaking.
the good, gray actor has never been a
star, but his many character sketches,
firmly outlined and well filled in entitle
him 20 write his name in large letters up
on the annals Of the theater, although he
has never witnessed them emblazoned
upon its bill boards
Mr.. Stoddart who has been a favorite
Of the American public for more years
than most men have lived, was born in
| Glasgow, in 1927, and made his first ap-
pcarince on the stage at the age of five
=
| known as The Rent Day" His father
! and all his family were in the profession
! Mr. Strddart is the sole survivor of this
family. In his early youth he appeared
in the theaters of Aberdeen, Scotland.
/ Later he played several seasons at the
! Theater Royal, Liverpool, where he dis
/ covered a peculiar fitness for old man 5
! parts. He came to America in 1854, with
many strong letters Of introduction
! among which was one to the elder Wal
( lack in New York. He Immediately ac-
! cepted an offer from this wel-knOwn
/ manager. and was given his first part
/ with WallaCks Company-that Of an old
man. in a piece entitled, "A Phenomenon
| IN Smocll Frock." During the four
! seasons that he remained with WaIack
| he played a great number Of parts, all,
! however old mems characters. When
! Laura keenc and Mrs. Wood left VA
| lacks and took the house on Broadway
! which was subsequently known as the
| Olympic Theater, he went with them and
| opened as Adam, in LAS You Like It."
| He remained at the olympic number Of
| seasons. only leaving when Boucicaut
| opened the Winter Garden on Broadway.
| Joseph Jefferson, Agnes Robertson and
| Mrs John Wood were members of the
| company. and all three are still living.
! When Mrs. John Wood left this com
| pany and took Laura keeues house she
! came "A member of her company He re.
! manned with her until Leonard Grover
| took the theater. and it was during the
| single season that he, for the first time
came conspicuously before the New Yorb
| public as MoneyDenny, in Boucicault'
| drama. THE Long Strike" Two years
ago. assisted by Mary Hampton, he play
ed one act Of this drama as a curtain
| raiser to The Liar, the piece which dis.
appointed the stellar ambitions of Fritz
! Williams and Katharine Florence He
! starred in "A Long Strife" for a season
after leaving Leonard Grover and was
| fairly prosperous. This was followed by
an offer from Lester Wallack to join his
| company, in which at that time, were
John Gilbert, and L. l.. Davenport Mr.
Stoddart left Mr.. ~ ll!ack to Join the
| Union Square Stock Company, under the
! management of Shook and Palmer. Stu.
! art Robson was The comedian anG
Charles Thorn the leading man, while
! Rose Eytiuge was also Il member of the