William Betty. William Henry West Betty was a popular child actor of the nineteenth century, known as the Young Roscius.
Both of William's parents were very wealthy due to inheritance. His mother inherited money from Shropshire and his father inherited money from the north of Ireland.
According to legend, Betty's father frivolously spent his money on anything, which resulted in his losing a large portion of his inheritance. This loss might have contributed to the extreme exploitation of his child prodigy, William.
William Betty first showed his desire for the stage at the age of eleven when, in 1802, his father took the young boy to Belfast to watch Sheridan's Pizarro, starring Sarah Siddons in the role of Elvira. Her performance inspired him so much that William stated, I shall certainly die if I may not be a player.
Betty's father introduced William to Michael Atkins, manager of the Belfast Theatre. After meeting the child, Atkins said, I never dared to indulge in the hope of seeing another Garrick, but I have seen an infant Garrick in Betty. Not long after meeting Atkins, Betty was introduced to the theatrical prompter Thomas Hough, so he could direct, train, and mentor young William in the role of Osman in Voltaire's Zair. While this was going on, there was an insurrection in Ireland which resulted in the closing of the Belfast theatre. Atkins knew he needed a huge attraction to bring in
Both of William's parents were very wealthy due to inheritance. His mother inherited money from Shropshire and his father inherited money from the north of Ireland.
According to legend, Betty's father frivolously spent his money on anything, which resulted in his losing a large portion of his inheritance. This loss might have contributed to the extreme exploitation of his child prodigy, William.
William Betty first showed his desire for the stage at the age of eleven when, in 1802, his father took the young boy to Belfast to watch Sheridan's Pizarro, starring Sarah Siddons in the role of Elvira. Her performance inspired him so much that William stated, I shall certainly die if I may not be a player.
Betty's father introduced William to Michael Atkins, manager of the Belfast Theatre. After meeting the child, Atkins said, I never dared to indulge in the hope of seeing another Garrick, but I have seen an infant Garrick in Betty. Not long after meeting Atkins, Betty was introduced to the theatrical prompter Thomas Hough, so he could direct, train, and mentor young William in the role of Osman in Voltaire's Zair. While this was going on, there was an insurrection in Ireland which resulted in the closing of the Belfast theatre. Atkins knew he needed a huge attraction to bring in
Wikipedia ...