The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-10-16
Anlusen1ents
JAMES O'NEII.L AS ACTOR AND
MAN

Mr.. James O'Neill, Americas fore
most romantic actor, began his career
In a stock company in Cincinnati when
he was but II years OF age. He rose
steadily In his profession, and at the
age of 20, ]. H. McVicker, manager
of McVicker's theater, Chicago-then
the third leading theater in America,
engaged him as his leading man. No
other young actor has ever held such
a prominent position. While In Nc
Vicker's company, he played all the
leading parts with Edwin Forrest and
Edwin Booth. Mr.. Booth was so I'M
pressed with his work that he en-
gagged him to play his leading bust
ness, even alternating with him in
such parts as Iago and Othello, in
"Othello" and Brutus and Cassius in
Julius Caesar" Succeeding this en-
gagement. Mr.. O'Neill was featured
with Barry Sullivan. one of the great
tragedians of that time. When Char
lotte Cushman made her success in
Macbeth" Mr. O'Neill was her lead
ing man, playing Macbeth to her Lady
Macbeth. Afterwards Adelaide Neil
son. the greatest of all Juliets, en-
gagged Mr.. O'Neill for her Romeo. and
was SO delighted with his performance
that when she returned to England
she made him very flattering offer
to accompany her as co-star; but he
thought the opportunities in this coun-
try greater and the wisdom of his de-
cis:on was afterwards proven.
Another offer was afterwards made
to Mr.. O'Neill by MIR. John Stetson. the
manager of Mary Anderson. This
astute manager went so far as to
deposit $4,000 to Mr.. O'Neill's credit
Tor 70 weeks engagement as Romeo
to Mary Anderson's Juliet, but Mr..
O'Neill had by that time struck his
bonanza-"Monte Cristo"-and was
financially and artistically the most
successful star in the United States.
Mr.. ONeill first played Monte
Cristo" at Booths Theatre in New
York City for fifteen consecutive
weeks, which was then considered a
phenomenal run. This only proved a
correct indication of this great plays
future for it since has been played
off and on by Mr.. O'Neill with UNI
varied success for the past twenty
five years.
Among the many things that the
American stage owed to Mr.. O'Neill
is the discovery and development of
such prominent actors as the late E.
]. Morgan, Edmund Breese, Howard
Gould, Forrest Robinson, s. Miller
Kent, Robert Haines, Margaret Anglin,
Maude O'Dell, Grace Raven, Eugene
Blair. Gertrude Bennett and others too
numerous to mention. For the past
two seasons Mr.. O'Neill was the lead
ing star for Klaw & Erlanger's all
star Two Orphans" Co., in which by
his excellent work he proved the good
judgment of these gentlemen in sell
Getting him for such position. But
public demand to see him again in
Monte Cristo" was so universal. that
he decided to make a farewell tour
this year. This engagement will be
the last opportunity to see Americas
greatest romantic actor in his MASTER
piece.
A few words may be said about this
fine actor as man. His domestic
life has been an ideal one He lives
with his family at New London, Conn,
in the Pequot colony, one of the most
exclusive summer resorts in the coun-
try. where he is very prominent
figure. On the road, Mrs. ONeill is
his constant companion. He is the
father of two boys-the elder, James
O'Neill, Jr.. is also an actor and play
ing in his fathers company. The
younger son is at college studying
law.