Biography of Hollywood actor Alleyn, Edward

 Edward Alleyn

• Born: 1566, London, England
• Died: 1626, Dulwich, England
• Occupation: Actor, theater owner, philanthropist
• Early career: Alleyn began his career as an actor in the Admiral's Men, one of the leading acting companies of the Elizabethan era.
• Breakthrough: Alleyn's breakthrough came in the late 1580s when he was cast as Tamburlaine in Christopher Marlowe's play of the same name. His performance was so successful that he became the most popular actor in England.
• Later career: Alleyn continued to be a successful actor throughout his career. He also became a theater owner, and in 1613 he founded Dulwich College, a school for orphaned boys.
• Accomplishments:
  • Was the most popular actor in England during the Elizabethan era
  • Founded Dulwich College, a school for orphaned boys
  • Helped to establish the Rose and Fortune theaters

Legacy:

Edward Alleyn was a major figure in the development of English theater. He was a talented actor and a successful businessman, and he helped to make the Elizabethan theater one of the most vibrant and exciting cultural institutions in the world.

Additional information:

• Alleyn was married twice, first to Joan Woodward and then to Joan Donne, the daughter of poet John Donne.
• He was a generous philanthropist, and he donated money to a number of charitable causes.
• His portrait hangs in the Dulwich Picture Gallery, which is located in the Dulwich College campus.