Famous Film & Theater Personalities Of The 19th Century

The 19th century, especially the later part, saw the development of several exciting aspects in the theater industry. A wide range of movements—Romanticism, melodrama, Naturalism, and Realism, among others—swept across Europe and the US. Playwright Alexandre Dumas and dramatist Augustin Eugène Scribe were among the pioneers who greatly influenced theatrical productions in the 19th century. English stage actor Henry Irving was a prominent figure in European theater and became the first actor to be awarded a knighthood, indicating full acceptance into the higher circles of British society. Several innovations were introduced in theatrical productions during this era, and William Charles Macready was one of the main innovators. The later part of the 19th century saw the development of photography and films, with the inventor Thomas Edison playing a major role in the progress of early cinema. An associate of Edison, Alfred Clark was the first to make moving pictures with innovations like continuity, plot, trained actors and special effects in the later years of the century. Another film pioneer, William Kennedy-Laurie Dickson—also associated with Edison—devised an early motion picture camera. This section provides you information about the life and works of Famous Film & Theater Personalities of the 19th Century.