Ira Aldridge

Ira Frederick Aldridge was an American and later British stage actor and playwright who made his career after 1824 largely on the London stage and in Europe, especially in Shakespearean roles. Born in New York City, Aldridge is the only actor of AfricanAmerican descent among theactors of the English stage honored with bronze plaques at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at StratforduponAvon. He was especially popular in Prussia and Russia, where he received top honors from heads of state.

Aldridge was born in New York City to Reverend Daniel and Luranah Aldridge July 24, 1807. At age 13, Aldridge went to the African Free School in New York City, established by the New York Manumission Society for the children of free black people and slaves. They were given a classical education, with the study of English grammar, writing, mathematics, geography, and astronomy. His early exposure to theater included viewing plays from the high balcony of the Park Theatre, New Yorks leading theater of the time, and seeing productions of Shakespeares plays at the African Grove Theatre.

Source: Wikipedia