David Garrick

David Garrick (February 19, 1717 – January 20, 1779) was an English actor, dramatist, theatrical producer and theatrical manager, and a friend and pupil of Samuel Johnson. Garrick is considered one of the most influential and popular figures in the history of British theatre.

Related Topics:
February 19 - 1717 - January 20 - 1779 - Actor - Dramatist - Theatrical producer - Manager - Samuel Johnson - British theatre

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David Garrick was born in Hereford, England and educated, like Johnson, at Lichfield in Staffordshire, 14 miles north of Birmingham and 110 miles northwest of London. Johnson later taught Garrick the classics, and in 1737 Garrick travelled to London to seek his fortune. Having failed to succeed in a legal career, he decided on the stage, and by 1741 Garrick was the talk of the theatrical scene for his performance in William Shakespeare's Richard III. He went on to manage the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane and enjoyed a thirty-year career at the top of his profession.

Related Topics:
Hereford - England - Lichfield - Staffordshire - 1737 - London - 1741 - William Shakespeare - Richard III - Theatre Royal - Drury Lane

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Garrick tried to portray characters as real people, rather than melodramatic caricatures. He encouraged fellow actors to act as they would in everyday life and avoid posing.

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David Garrick died in London, England and was interred in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey. A monument to him in Lichfield Cathedral bears Johnson's famous comment:

Related Topics:
London - England - Poets' Corner - Westminster Abbey - Lichfield Cathedral

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I am disappointed by that stroke of death that has eclipsed the gaiety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.

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A carved stone medallion showing Garrick, a metre or more in diameter, is on display at Birmingham Central Library.

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