Belle Archer

Belle Archer ( Mingle; June 5, 1859 — September 19, 1900) was an American actress and singer. She was also known as Belle Mackenzie. She was notable for starring in a three-year, cross-country touring production of A Contented Woman and for creating the role of Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore.

Early years Archer was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of J.L. Mingle, a businessman with Western Union. with a friend with the goal of joining a theatrical troupe. She was stopped in Baltimore, however, and taken back to her home.

Career Before she was 16 years old, Archer debuted on stage in Baltimore under theater manager John T. Ford. As early as 1881, she was performing in New York City in the play Won at Last.

In 1882, she was signed to a three-year contract with Madison Square Theatre, with her initial role that of heading the production of Hazel Kirke. Archer became the leading lady for actor Charles H. Hoyt, succeeding his wife, Caroline Miskel Hoyt. She also starred in A Contented Woman,

In 1888, Archer received $1,200 per year from a New York photographer for the right to print photographs of her.

Personal life On September 19, 1880, she married actor H.R. Archer in Norfolk, Virginia. They met when he joined a theatrical company in which she was acting, and they married soon afterward.

Death On September 19, 1900, Archer died in the Warren, Pennsylvania, emergency hospital following a blood clot on her brain. She was buried in the family plot in Easton Cemetery, Easton, Pennsylvania. The cemetery contains a six-foot-tall stone with "a coin-shaped profile" of Archer. The statue contains the epitaph, "To the name Belle Archer, the master leaning reached a hand and whispered, 'It is finished.'"