Internet Shakespeare Editions

Shakespeare in Performance: Person

Fanny Kemble

Frances Anne Kemble (1809-1893) continued her family's tradition of becoming a successful performer. She played all of the principal women's parts at the Covent Garden (which was then managed by her father, Charles Kemble), including Portia, Beatrice, and Constance. In 1834, she retired from the stage to marry an American, Pierce Butler, grandson of the Founding Father Pierce Butler, but returned to the stage in 1847 after their divorce. Following her father's example, Fanny toured America as a Shakespeare reader. She was also a notable anti-slavery activist, playwright, and author.

Performance Chronicle Gatekeeper — Added 2011-04-11

Credited as cast

  1. King John (1832, USA) .... Constance

: Film production
: Performance