Charles Macklin - Death

Death

He lived a long life and may have died a centenarian, although that is not without doubt. While his second wife gave his birth year as 1690 on the memorial tablet installed in St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden, making him 107 at his death; others have suggested that he was born in 1699 or 1710. His memorial shows a dagger piercing the eye of a theatrical mask, a contrite reference to his altercation with Thomas Hallam.

Macklin’s famous role as Shylock and introduction of naturalistic acting would later influence realism in the 19th century. If anything, Macklin’s drive and discipline to perfect himself as an actor and teacher still inspires theatre practitioners today. Macklin was never afraid of the moment and took every opportunity to become better in his profession. Many will continue to play Shylock, but it is no doubt that Macklin will always be the Jew that Shakespeare drew.

Macklin is remembered today in his native Inishowen, where the Charles Macklin Autumn School is held each October in the village of Culdaff.

Read more about this topic:  Charles Macklin

Famous quotes containing the word death:

    I thought of all that worked dark pits
    Of war, and died
    Digging the rock where Death reputes
    Peace lies indeed.
    Wilfred Owen (1893–1918)

    The raven is my talisman.... Death is my talisman, Mr. Chapman. The one indestructible force. The one certain thing in an uncertain universe. Death.
    David Boehm, and Louis Friedlander. Dr. Richard Vollin (Bela Lugosi)