New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-12

Judgment was justified. Experience became The song
hit Of the dlv and carried The Little Chcrub 70 a
big success Since that season Miss Williams has con-
tinucd one Of the most popular musical comedy stars
on the American stage
WILLIAM GILLETTE and Otis Skinner are TWO
w famous stars who owe their cmnencc IN the world
of the thcatcr the lost art Of transforming he early
career, Of both were marked and marrcd by hard sled
ding and real privaton.
Otis Skinner was on the verge Of giving up the tight
one afternoon at WnOna, Minnesota when the mana
ger Of the company in which he doing the onengnt-
crs suggested the idea OF starring the young actor Jo
scph Buckley the manager had saved a little money,
and he was willing 10 risk ii in a starring venture he
plan was discussed in the Office OF the Winona heater
and a contract drawn up. That contract was re-
SpcCtcd for many years, and had 70 be assumed by
Charles Frohman when Mr.. Skinner came under his
direction
The first season was disastrous one for the odd part
ucr,hp. Time and again the firm was reduced % ALSO.
lutte perjury. Each time Skinner doubled back 20 In.
dianapolis where he was idozcd by theaergocrs and
each time he managed to earn new stake. Finally the
plucy fight began TO bear fruit. The young star found
several profitable PLAYS. notably Rosemary, which he
produced in the smaller cities, while John Drew was
presenting it in New York, Boston Philadelphia, and
Chicago Then Charles Frohman persuaded him 70
come under his management, and agreed 70 take Buck.
ley with him. Today both Skinner and Buckley are
comfortably rich.
William Gillette is son of the late Senator Gillette
OF Connecticut, ana 10 60 on the stage TIE at To '."A
with his family. He fought to make good aga'n,. 3ls
handicaps and on very slim meals until he found The
part of the Rev. Job NlcCoSh in "DgbyS Secretary,
farce that he adapted from Won Moscr's Der Bi3,o-
thckar" and first acted at the New York Comedy he
alter on September % 1884. The play an ,mueGi.
ate success on the same night H. NJ Palmer produced
The Private Secretary, an adaptation OF the stme
play by Charles Hawtrcy, at the Madison Square he-
alter Atcr many threats OF lawsuits compromise was
effected and Gillette starred for several seasons m
composite OF the two versions.
"rhc Private Secretary established Gillette as me
hes, farccur OF the day and then, man OF moods mat
ne is he Immediately set to work writing a War meo-
drama that advanced him as an actor OF powerful roles
as well aS the poSScSSor of farciCal gifts. , play
Held bv the Enemy. he acted at the Criterion ne
alter in Brooklyn on February %, 1856 launching NM
self as a star and playwright.
MAT {. GOODWIN worked his way 20 the post
" ton of star: but his first theatrical experience
WAS not suspicious He a clerk in an uphos,erers
shop when he heard the call of the ootlightS Ills INST
appearance legitimate stage was made III me
Providence Opera House. with William Henderson
Stock Company and he was assigned the role OF Nr
George HounSoW in mclodrama, "Ihe Bottle
When his cue the opening night he rushed on me
stage raised his arm and opened his lips 70 speak Du'
no souni came from them. He was so overcome ny
stage fright that he dropped unconscious and had 70 De