EDWIN FORREST - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 19637

EDWIN FORREST
Slip of paper signed "Yours Sincerely" by actor Edwin Forrest, whose rivalry with English actor William MacReady caused New York City's Astor Place riot of 1849. Affixed to a small card.
Autograph sentiment signed "Yours Sincerely,/Edwin Forrest". Pencil notations in unknown hand on verso of card. 3¼x2 sentiment affixed to a 3½x2¼ card with beveled edges. American actor Forrest (1806-1872) was noted for the sturm und drang of his performances; William Winter, drama critic for the New York Tribune, derisively described him as "a vast animal, bewildered by a grain of genius". The bulk of his career was between 1820, where he made his name in blackface roles, to 1852, and includes at least three credits on Broadway. However, Forrest is primarily remembered, not for his acting, but for his central role in the Astor Place riot of 1849. He was a rival with English actor William MacReady, for reasons that we don't quite understand today. The two actors' styles were different and attracted different audiences; Forrest played for the groundlings and cheap seats, MacReady for the expensive seats and boxes. Despite the absurdity of their rivalry, a mob of Forrest supporters decided to storm New York City's Astor Place Theatre, where MacReady was acting, on May 10, 1849, sparking a riot that left 22 dead and 36 injured and had to be quelled by the militia. His reputation was further damaged when he filed for divorce in 1850. It swiftly turned into a media circus and climaxed when Forrest beat author Nathaniel Parker Lewis, who was reportedly having an affair with his wife, in New York City's Washington Square Park on June 17, 1850. Forrest rarely worked after 1852, but partially reformed his image by supporting actors and defending the rights of smaller theatres against theatre conglomerates. A provision in his will created Philadelphia's Edwin Forrest Home, which operated until the 1980s. Lightly toned and soiled. Light tear near top left corner, which touches sentiment but not signature. Show-through from adhesive residue on verso touches signature. Sentiment has missing corners and light tear in bottom right corner. Card has rounded edges. Otherwise in fine condition.