New-York tribune., 1902-02-03
RISTORI'S LONG CAREER.
INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF THE FA-
NOUS ACTRESS-FUND FOR NEEDY
MEMBERS OF HER PRO
FFSSION

II wss IN basket on the stage at the tender age
If three months that the great tragic actress, Ade-
laide Ristori, the Marquise Capranica del Grilo.
whose eightcrh birthday was celebrated last week,
began her dramatic career Sxty-three years
later, after her third visit TO this country, she
torsook the footlights and has only appeared since
Al occasional benefits and performances for charity.
Since the recital of a fragment from one OF her
old PLAYS at a benefit in 1894 her voice has not
beeu heard in public, and she has devoted herself
"a The peaceful interests Of her freside, where
three youngsters rule their famous grandmother
with e high hand. Indeed, when asked two or three
wears ago. when her "reminiscences, long prom
ised would be completed she replied that it would
depend very largely upon the conduct of her eldest
grandson, then five years old. who resented any
occupation but his own entertainment by his grand
mother
Fidelity to her domestic duties and broad char
fv are said 10 be striking characteristics of Nine.
Ristor The latter was illustrated last week, when
she declined 10 accept the offer of the proceeds
from the commemorative and benefit performances
held in all the theatres throughout Italy in honor
of her birthday. 4 popular impression that her
fortune had been seriously reduced by unfortunate
investments led TO the proposition AT her request
the money will be invested in a fund TO be used
for the benefit Of destitute and invalid members
Of her profession, and will be known by her name.
Fourscore finds the famous actress with great
physical endurance and with intellectual ability
and dramatic genius unabated- Her mind, 1t is
laid is as clear as II ever was her faculty for en-
yment undimmed and her health always good.
Having advanced beyond baby parts on the stage,
ldelaide Ristori appeared IN her first walking
part at four years of age. and after that contin-
ued through her childhood TO play juvenile roles
with her father mother, brothers and sisters. She
became independent and received her first salary
at sixteen.
Ristorrs first appearance in London at the
Drury Lane Theatre, In 'A1edea," June 4, 1856 She
made her hrst visit TO this country in 1855 where
for two seasons she played in all the principal
cities. Il during this trip that she lost her
wardrobe and properties in the fire which de-
stroyed the old Academy of Music Of this
city. Her second visit was made in 1915. During
this year she also made a tour of the world, Wis
!ting both American continents, Africa, Asia, Au-
stra..a and New-Zealand, and playing in every
city Of any importance in the civilized world ex-
cept in India. During her last visit to this coun-
Try in 1855, she played in sixty different cities and
then for the first time rode in private car, the
experience furnishing her no enc OF dehght
friends for more than half a century. and she has
played more often with him than with any other
1874 in Romeo and Juliet At that time she was
twenty-five and he sixteen; The two venerai5ie
winter at theatre in Rome Italy
Romantic ATTRACTED, frst, bv her fame, the young
Marquis Julian Capranica del Gr1llo conceived TOT
her an ardent affection, which she recproGated
To root out the passion from his sons heart
Julian's father caused him TO be confined in the the
castle OF Santo Severa, and only through the n
tervention of his mother and the girls own falth-
4QlneSS 10 ner lover We're the young couple tIId-
lied TO escape together They were married in a
small village church near Florence. The tact OF
Juians mother finally effected a recopcillauon
with his father and in 18is the marriage was re;
celebrated, with all the proper formalitles ana
according the rites Of the Church. At the birth
Of her first born she renounced the stage to dedi-
cate herself the sacred duties of motherhood
Feelings OF pity for unfortunate manager, who
had been imprisoned for debt, induced her 10 ap-
pear again, and she gave some performances Tor
his benefit. Then IL that the enthusiasm OF
M hsE co1ntrynen ran high; and they would not hear
Among the many treasures which Ristori prizes
as gifts from crowned heads and admirers are a
goo casket containing a valuable bracelet OF dia-
Enonds, bearing the inscription, Napoleon Ill To
Adelaide Rstori': a flower Of diamonds Of rare
workmanship and large cost, given her by the
queen Of Spain; valuable crown Of massive gold,
with a Of brants in the centre. from the
Italian colonists of Alexandria, and a bracelet
adorned with q splendid crescent Of sapphires and
oT-lliants, bestowed by the Sultan of Turkey. In
amsterdam in 1860 the King decorated her with the
order Of Arts and Sciences.
Nine. Ristori has a daughter and a The for
ner. Donna Blarcha del Grillo, her constant com
panion. IS actively interested with Queen Mar
eherita in charitable work Her son is gentleman
Nl-wa4ting TO the Queen and manages the affairs
OF the royal household. He is painter