John Drew

A theatergoer once remarked, "John Drew doesn't act, he just behaves" - that comment was a real tribute to the finesse of his acting ability. He came by this histrionic gifts naturally, for his father and namesake was a famous Irish comedian, and his mother, born in London, was Mrs. John Drew who managed the old Arch Street Theatre in Philadelphia. In this city, John Drew was born on November 13, 1853. At twenty, after some schooling at the Episcopal Academy, he made his stage debut at his mother's theatre in Cool as A Cucumber. Two years later, Augustin Daly engaged him for his New York company. He played with Edwin Booth, Fanny Davenport and Ada Rehan. In 1892 he became a star under Charles Frohman's management. In 1888 he married Josephine Baker, actress, and had one child, Louise, who became an actress. Known for his drawing-room comedy technique, he was dubbed "the American dress-suite actor par excellence." He took great price in his appearance and was always well groomed. His eyes were slightly crossed, and in later years gave him much trouble. He was athletic, indulgent in tennis, swimming and horseback riding. He won a fencing championship at the New York Athletic Club. He was a "quick study," liked to read late into the night, and hated cards. He died July 9, 1927, in San Francisco, while on tour with the all star revival of Trelawney of the Wells. After cremation, his ashes were buried with his wife at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Philadelphia, One of the electricians with the company was heard to say, "He's gone. When shall we see his like again?"