34 Facts About Harriet Smithson

Harriet Smithson was born on 18 March 1800, at Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.

Harriet Smithson's father, William Joseph Smithson, was an actor and theatrical manager from Gloucestershire, England, and her mother was an actress whose full name is unknown.

Harriet Smithson had a brother, Joseph Smithson, and a sister, name unknown.

In October 1801, Harriet Smithson was left in the care of Reverend James Barrett, a priest of the Church of Ireland, parish of Drumcliffe.

Harriet Smithson instructed her "in the precepts of religion," and kept everything connected with the stage from her view.

On 27 May 1814, Harriet Smithson made her first stage appearance at the Theatre Royal, as Albina Mandevill in Frederick Reynolds's The Will.

Harriet Smithson's performance was well received, and the Freeman's Journal gave her a positive review.

Harriet Smithson certainly is a most interesting and promising young actress, and there is no doubt she would prove a great acquisition to Crow-street, in the line of performance which her taste, as well as her talents, incline her to pursue.

In 1815, Harriet Smithson took her parents' place in Montague Talbot's company in Belfast after they returned to Dublin.

Harriet Smithson then travelled to Newry, Limerick, Dublin, and Burmingham, where she joined Robert Elliston's company.

Harriet Smithson spent the next two months playing over forty roles in various genres.

Four years later, 20 January 1818, Harriet Smithson made her first London appearance at Drury Lane as Letitia Hardy in The Belle's Stratagem.

Harriet Smithson joined the permanent company at the Royal Coburg later that year.

In 1827, Harriet Smithson made her Paris debut as Lydia Languish in The Rivals at the Odeon theatre.

Harriet Smithson left a long lasting impression on the French through her interpretation of Ophelia's madness, utilizing pantomime and natural presentation.

Miss Harriet Smithson acted the scene in which, robbed of her sanity, she takes her own veil to be her father's body with utmost grace and truth.

Harriet Smithson was cast as Juliet, where she revolutionized the women's role in theatre by becoming as important as her male counterpart, Romeo.

Miss Harriet Smithson was charged with the role of Juliet, and she was excellent in it.

Harriet Smithson became famous for her natural presentation of characters, striking pantomime, and beauty.

Harriet Smithson introduced the French to natural English theatrical techniques that allowed her to become her characters instead of simply portraying them.

Harriet Smithson's action is easy and graceful though somewhat redundant.

Harriet Smithson appeared as Belvidera in Venice Preserved and as Mrs Simpson in Simpson and Co on the Lincoln Circuit at the Peterborough theatre between 27 June and 2 July 1831.

In 1830, Harriet Smithson went back to Paris to set up an English theatre under her own management.

Harriet Smithson obtained permission to perform at the Theatre-Italien where she performed several unsuccessful plays.

Harriet Smithson was now in great debt, yet her mother and sister still depended on her for support.

Harriet Smithson gave her last performance, as Ophelia, on 15 December 1836, before her health deteriorated.

Harriet Smithson's excellent acting muddled perceptions of her personality with that of her female characters.

Harriet Smithson persistently sent her letters despite never having met her.

Harriet Smithson ignored all of his advances until 1832, when she was invited to a performance of Lelio, a sequel to his Symphonie Fantastique, by a mutual friend.

Harriet Smithson realized that the symphony was about her and sent Berlioz a message congratulating him.

Harriet Smithson soon became resentful and jealous of Berlioz as his musical success distanced him from her.

Harriet Smithson eventually moved out of the matrimonial home on the rue Saint Vincent, Montmartre, to the rue Blanche in 1843, but was still financially supported by Berlioz.

Toward the end of her life, Harriet Smithson suffered from paralysis, which left her barely able to move or speak.

Harriet Smithson died on 3 March 1854, at her home on the rue Saint-Vincent, and was buried at the Cimetiere Saint-Vincent.