Clare Eames

Clare Eames (August 5, 1894 – November 8, 1930) was an American actress and stage director, and the first wife of playwright Sidney Howard.

Early years Eames was born August 5, 1894, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Clare (Hamilton) and Hayden Eames. Her maternal grandfather was Maryland governor and senator William Thomas Hamilton. Her aunt was American soprano Emma Eames.

Eames' family moved to Cleveland, Ohio when she was 11 years old. From there, she went to Paris to live with her aunt and studied drama. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Career

In 1919, Eames joined the repertory theatre headed by Ethel Barrymore.

After World War I, Eames was considered one of the leading new female lights of the Broadway stage, performing classical roles in plays by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. After her starring role in John Drinkwater's one-act play Mary Stuart (1921), Eames quickly rose to the top rank in the American theatre.

Theatre credits

Date Title Role Notes April–May 1918 The Big Scene Greenwich Village Theatre, New York City October 6, 1919 – May 1920 Déclassée Lady Wildering Empire Theatre, New York City January 22–23, 1928 The Unquiet Spirit Marceline Apollo Theatre, London November 19 – December 10, 1928 The Sacred Flame Nurse Wayland Henry Miller's Theatre, New York City July 2–6, 1930 The Procurator of Judea ProducerLittle Theatre, London 1925 Princess Dominica