Edward O'Connor Terry

Edward O'Connor Terry (10 March 1844 – 2 April 1912) was an English actor, who became an influential actor and comedian during the Victorian era.

Early life and career Terry was born in Lambeth, London, the son of John Terry (1812–1851), an actor and painter, and his wife, Emblen Ann, née Middleton (baptised 1809 – 1892), a costumier. and made his debut in 1863 as Wormwood in The Lottery Ticket. He began his stage career in small companies in the provinces playing in Shakespeare with the young Henry Irving and sometimes in pieces employing his singing talents.

Peak years

In 1867, Terry played for a season at London's Surrey Theatre in both comedy and drama. Between 1868 and 1875, he was the leading comedian at the Royal Strand Theatre in London. He reached the peak of his popularity after he joined John Hollingshead's company at the Gaiety Theatre, London in 1876, starring in the musical burlesques produced there during the next eight years.

Personal life and death Terry married twice; his first marriage, in 1870 was to Ellen Deitz. He married his second wife, Florence, Lady Harris, widow of Augustus Harris, in 1904. Off the stage, he was a Freemason and served on the councils of many charities and of public bodies.

Terry died of neuritis at his home in Barnes, England, at the age of 68.