15 Facts About Laura Keene

Laura Keene was a British stage actress and theatre manager.

Laura Keene is most famous for being the lead actress in the play Our American Cousin, which was attended by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater in Washington on the evening of his assassination.

Laura Keene was the fourth and final child of Tomas and Jane Moss.

Laura Keene made her professional debut as Pauline in The Lady of Lyons in London in October 1851.

In 1852, less than a year performing in Britain, Laura Keene accepted an offer from James William Wallack to go to New York City, and serve as the leading lady in the stock company at his successful theater.

Laura Keene enjoyed great popularity during her time at Wallack's Theatre.

Laura Keene left Wallack's company unexpectedly one night and moved to Baltimore.

Laura Keene leased the Charles Street Theater, in Baltimore, from 24 December 1853, to 2 March 1854, where she acted as manager, director and performer.

Laura Keene started doing touring performances in California, in Australia, and again in California.

Laura Keene managed and performed there for a few years until a new law was passed in California banning any form of entertainment on the Sabbath.

Stage entertainment turned over quickly in that era, with few productions exceeding a dozen performances, but Laura Keene bucked those odds.

Amid the confusion, Laura Keene made her way to the presidential box where Lincoln lay dying and cradled the mortally wounded President's head in her lap.

Laura Keene continued as manager and star of a company which toured the United States for most of the next ten years.

Laura Keene served as manager of the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, from 20 September 1869, through 25 March 1870.

On 4 November 1873, Laura Keene died of tuberculosis at the age of 47 at Montclair, New Jersey.