20 Facts About Peg Woffington

Peg Woffington was born of humble origins in Dublin, Ireland yet excelled in playing women from the upper classes.

Peg Woffington's father is thought to have been a bricklayer, and after his death, the family became impoverished.

Peg Woffington's mother was obliged to take in washing while Peg sold watercress door to door.

Peg Woffington's sister Mary Woffington was an actress but she did not enjoy the same success.

Peg Woffington danced and acted at various Dublin theatres until her early twenties, when her reputation drew a handsome offer from John Rich, the manager of the Covent Garden Theatre, to perform on the stages of London.

Peg Woffington drew public attention when she was cast as Sir Harry Wildair in The Constant Couple.

Peg Woffington performed at Drury Lane for several years and later returned to Dublin, appearing in a variety of plays.

Peg Woffington's best-received performances were in comic roles, such as elegant women of fashion like Lady Betty Modish and Lady Townley, and breeches roles.

Peg Woffington was impeded in the performance of tragedy by a harsh tone in her voice that she strove to eliminate.

Peg Woffington managed to evade the angry Lord's accusations by claiming the wig was her own, for an upcoming breeches role.

Peg Woffington tended to create rivalries with similar-types of actresses at Drury Lane and Covent Garden.

Peg Woffington educated and supported her sister Mary, and cared for and pensioned her mother.

Peg Woffington parted from Garrick around 1744, and thence moved to the Thameside Middlesex village of Teddington, into a house called 'Teddington Place'.

Peg Woffington rallied, but would never act again, lingering with a wasting illness until 1760.

Peg Woffington died a woman of wealth and had left most of her fortune to her sister, Mary.

Peg Woffington was eulogised in a poetical sketch by the dramatist Henry Jones.

Peg Woffington featured in several films, particularly in the silent era.

Peg Woffington's character appeared in the 2015 play Mr Foote's Other Leg as a friend and colleague of Samuel Foote.

Peg Woffington is mentioned in the Cyclops episode of James Joyce's Ulysses.

Peg Woffington appears as the main character in the graphic novel La piece manquante by Jean Harambat.