36 Facts About Annie Russell

Annie Ellen Russell was a British-American stage actress.

Annie Russell moved to Canada when she was a child.

Annie Russell made her first appearance on the stage at eight years old with Rose Eytinge at the Montreal Academy of Music in Montreal, Canada.

Annie Russell visited the West Indies when she was twelve, overseeing her younger brother Tommy, the child actor in a touring production.

Annie Russell performed in one of the tour companies of the play Hazel Kirke, in the title role, before leaving to marry her first husband in 1884.

Annie Russell returned in 1885, playing Zaire in the play Broken Hearts written by W S Gilbert.

Annie Russell later returned to New York with the same company to perform at Madison Square Theatre as Ada in Sealed Intentions.

Annie Russell performed in Engaged as Maggie McFarland starting in 1886, where acclaim for her performances began to mount.

In 1887, Annie Russell earned the title role in the play Elaine by George Parsons Lathrop and Harry Edwards, a play later adopted by Mr Palmer's company.

Annie Russell has appeared in more plays afterward including Captain Swift in 1889.

Annie Russell remained with Mr Palmer's company at the Madison Square Theatre until 1894, upon joining Charles Frohman's company, Empire Stock.

Annie Russell returned to the stage in 1894, playing the lead female part in The New Woman.

Annie Russell reprised her role in Esmerelda in 1894 as well.

Annie Russell performed in a new one-act play called Lethe.

Annie Russell later reprised this role in London in 1898 at the Garrick Theatre.

Annie Russell performed many of her popular plays in London, including Sue and The Mysterious Mr Bugle.

Annie Russell fell ill partway through 1899 and in June of that year returned to the United States to rest.

Annie Russell did appear in a few plays, in 1899, Miss Hobbs with Ann Gilbert and in 1900 in A Royal Family.

In 1902, Annie Russell appeared in other plays with Ann Gilbert, in The Girl and the Judge.

Subsequently, Annie Russell starred in Mice and Men, still with Frohman's company.

On December 30,1902, Mrs Roosevelt and other Washington dignitaries saw Annie Russell perform in this play.

In 1903, Annie Russell performed in Boston, playing the title role in The Younger Mrs Parling.

Annie Russell met her second husband, English actor Oswald Yorke in this play.

Shortly after her marriage, Annie Russell starred in a new play Brother Jacques.

Annie Russell later returned to the United States, appearing in Friend Hannah in 1906.

Annie Russell appeared in a number of small plays, one under Charles Frohman's management, and in Gordon's Wife under Leibler Company until 1912, when she organized the Old English Comedy Company.

Annie Russell married playwright and stage manager Eugene Wiley Presbrey on 6 November 1884, and divorced him in 1897.

Annie Russell married English actor Oswald Harker on 27 March 1904, and divorced him in 1929.

Annie Russell suffered from periodic illnesses throughout her life, contributing to large gaps in her career.

Annie Russell gave several speeches to drama students, the first speech to the graduates of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in March 1902.

Annie Russell was close friends with Mary Louise Curtis Bok Zimbalist, who would later contribute financially to the theatre in Russel's name.

Annie Russell officially retired from the stage in 1918 and moved to Winter Park, Florida.

Annie Russell was encouraged by a friend to teach at Rollins College, and in 1931, the Annie Russell Theatre was founded at the college.

Annie Russell opened the theatre in 1932 with a performance of In a Balcony.

Annie Russell taught at Rollins College until her death on January 16,1936.

Annie Russell was buried in St Stephen's Cemetery in Millburn, New Jersey.