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Edward Smith Willard

1853 – 1915

English actor

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About Edward Smith Willard

Lived 1853 – 1915 (aged 62). Edward Smith Willard was a British stage actor.

Edward Smith Willard (9 January 1853 – 9 November 1915) was an English actor. He was born at Brighton and made his debut upon the stage at Weymouth in The Lady of Lyons in 1869. He then toured with E. A. Sothern and later joined various stock companies. Coming to London in 1875, he played Antonio in The Merchant of Venice with Charles Rice in 1876. After a varied experience in Shakespearean and other plays, in 1881 he was engaged by Wilson Barrett at the Princess Theatre, where he played in The Lights of London, The Silver King, and other well-known pieces. In 1886, he made a hit as Jim the Penman at the Haymarket.

Edward Smith Willard was the uncle of Shakespearen actor Edmund Willard and the great-uncle of children's author Barbara Willard. Willard died in London on 9 November 1915.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Also known as
E. S. Willard

People in Edward Smith Willard's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Edward Smith Willard?

English actor (1853–1915)

When was Edward Smith Willard born?

Edward Smith Willard was born on 9 January 1853 in Brighton.

When did Edward Smith Willard die?

Edward Smith Willard died on 9 November 1915 in London.

What was Edward Smith Willard's occupation?

Edward Smith Willard was a stage actor.

What nationality was Edward Smith Willard?

Edward Smith Willard was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Edward Smith Willard

· Wikidata: Q5345363

· DBpedia: E. S. Willard

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edward Smith Willard. https://biography.guide/edward-smith-willard/

MLA: "Edward Smith Willard." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edward-smith-willard/.

Chicago: "Edward Smith Willard." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edward-smith-willard/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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