Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-04
GEO. W. DEN HAM DEAD
VETERAN ACTOR SUDDENLY Elk
PIREs IN NEW YORK.

George W. Denham, one Of the best
known comedians on the American stage,
who was q great favorite with Washing
ton audiences. fell dead In New York yes
terday. Midlothian had been In in-health
for several weeks, and had been forced to
give up his part in Wilton Lackaye's pro-
duction Of 1.-THE Law and the Man" Re-
Gently, however, his health had been better
and he had appeared several times in the
part in its New York production. Yester-
day while passing No. 10S East 10th street
he fell in che street and died within a few
minutes. Acute disease Of the kidneys Yves
the cause Of Mr.. Denham's death. He was
among the leading character actors Of the
country, and during his career on the stage
had created character parts In most OF the
leading attractions OF the day.
While still boy he entered the the
atrical profession as property man for one
Worrel Sisters. He then went upon the
stage and took small parts with the Chap.
forty years ago.
About 1881 Mr.. Denham became MEM
Der Of the Ford stock company Of this city
and Baltimore, and was a general favorite
here. For ten years he remained with John
w. Ford, and appeared in numerous stock
and operate productions. While with Mr..
Ford he created the part Of Sir Joseph
Porter in "Pinafore" and also the char
acter parts in all Of the Gilbert and sulli-
van operas. Among the members of the
company at the time were Morgan Sher-
wood, now connected with the National
Theater; James Galloway, Julian Mitchell
and the Chapman sisters.
He also played with Maggie Mitchell and
with Lolita, and his work was always recog-
niZed by the critics as being Of the highest
order.
Played With Joe Jefferson.
After leaving the Ford Company he Joined
Joseph Jefferson and played with him up to
within short time before Mr.. Jefferson
died. With Mr.. Jefferson he took the part
of David in the Rivals" Derrick in Trip
Van Winkle.'' and Fog in the Heir at
Law" Mr.. Jefferson on numerous occa-
work. Another of his fine creations was the
part of old Pondragon in Marriage in
Haste" He also appeared in this city in
1903 as Valiantia in a scenic production Of
Joan Of Are which Mr.. Denham and Mr.,
Morgan Sherwood presented at the Acad-
envy of Music. The production was found
to be too elaborate to pay and it was taken
off the stage. His last appearance in this
Toyland," at the National Theater, in Sep
tember, 1904.
Mr.. Denham started the present season
with Wilton Lackey in 1.-The Law and the
Man." but, as stated, he had to give up tho
part on account of ill health but was able
to resume work in New York.
Mr. Denham had many friends in this
city and Alexandria. and for several years
spent most of the time while off the ~tage
at club house, which he owned jointly
with several other actors. at -Four Mile
Run. This club house was the scene Of
many pleasant gathering of the friends Of
the dead actor on summer evenings. He
was exceptionally entertaining as a story
teller, and those who visited him at his
summer home came away with most pleas
ing memories. The cottage was burned
about two years ago, and since that time
Mr. Denham has spent the greater part of
his time in the north. Mr.. Denham was
unmarried but brother, and two sisters,
Mrs. Frances E. Rouse Of 1913 West 10th
street. New York, and Mrs. E. r. Merrill
of New Rochelle, n. Y, survive him
Sherwood states that the funeral of Mr..
Denham will take place Wednesday at II
am. Mr.. Sherwood, Mr.. W. F. McNichol,
Mr.. J. F. Peyton and other friends Of Mr..
Denham in this city will go to New York
to attend the -eral services.