Dates:July 5, 1755 - June 8, 1831

Occupation: actress

Known for: playing tragic heroines on the British stage. Famous for her role as Lady Macbeth and other tragic heroines, she was also the first woman to play Hamlet (at 20, continuing to play the role for 30 years). She was known for her dignity, for her deep, rich voice, and for dramatic gestures.

Also Known as: Mrs. Siddons, Queen of Tragedy, Sarah Kemble Siddons

About Sarah Siddons:

Sarah Siddons was the oldest of twelve children of the traveling actor and manager, Roger Kemble. Her brother was the actor John Kemble. Another member of the famous Kemble theater family was Fanny Kemble.

Sarah Siddons was an actress from childhood. She became involved with an actor, William Siddons, against her family's wishes, and they sent her off to work for a time as a lady's maid to discourage the romance. They finally permitted Sarah to marry William, and they were married in 1773.

Sarah Siddons failed in her first appearances at Drury Lane theater, where she played in 1775-1776. She then toured in the country until she was talked into appearing again at Drury Lane in 1782, where she achieved public recognition and acclaim.

In 1806, both Sarah Siddons and her brother John Kemble were persuaded to Join the permanent cast at Covent Garden. She appeared there until her farewell performance on June 29, 1812, in the role of Lady Macbeth.

Sarah Siddons continued to appear privately, and her last performance was on June 9, 1819.

There is a statue to Sarah Siddons in Westminster Abbey, and many noted artists painted portraits of her.

During the course of her marriage and while carrying on her theatrical career, Sarah Siddons had seven children, two of which died in infancy. Three of the children survived her.

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