American novelist, actress and feminist. Produced and acted in several Ibsen plays on the West End stage in London. Wrote a large number of speeches defending militant suffragettes between 1906 and 1912. (1862-1952)

Established Shakespearean actress and later management of theatres with her son. Helped popularize the work of Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw.

American stage actress who made professional debut in New York City and later appeared in London productions. Film career included roles in award-winning, None But the Lonely Heart (1944) and The Spiral Staircase. (1879-1959)

Stage actress in Britain and later in New York City. Developed a considerable following in her early career. Gave up acting only to return to the stage several years later.

English actor and brother of Ellen Terry. Best known for his romantic role in The Scarlet Pimpernel. Married Julia Neilson, an actress. (1863-1933)

Made his acting debut at Nottingham in 1879. In 1891 Oscar Wilde arranged for Alexander to produce and act in the first production of Lady Windermere's Fan.

English playwright, social reformist and journalist. Wrote series of newspaper articles depicting poverty of the working class in London and another series later published as books on child poverty. (1847-1922)

Character actor and later theatre manager and producer.

English dramatist, novelist and journalist. Wrote The History of Tom Jones, considered by critics to be one of the greatest comic novels in the English language. (1707-1754)

Short biography covering acting and theatre management.

English actress who appeared as Phoebe in As You Like It and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Ernest. Sister of actress Violet Vanbrugh. (1872-1949)

Born in Jersey and married Edward Langtry. Achieved the reputation as one of Britain's most beautiful actresses. Her autobiography, The Days I Knew, was published in 1925. 1853-1929)

Short biography of Oscar-winning actress with an acting career spanning 30 years.

English journalist and prolific playwright, with over 60 plays to his credit. Best known as one of the founding members of Punch Magazine and served as joint editor with Henry Mayhew. (1809-1870)

Irish actress and political activist. Founded the revolutionary group, the Daughters of Erin. Helped William Butler Yeats establish the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and acted in many of his plays. (1865-1953)

Irish poet, dramatist and novelist. Wrote the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Achieved his greatest success with a series of light comedies, including Lady Windermere's Fan and The Importance of Being Ernest. (1854-1900)

Irish dramatist and politician. Wrote popular comedies, including The Rivals and The School for Scandal. Served as under secretary for Foreign Affairs, in the coalition ministry headed by William Pitt, and as under secretary of the navy. (1751-1816)

Born in Paris. Moved to London and became one of the leading actresses of her time. Founded the Theatre Sarah Bernhardt in Paris. (1844-1923)

English actress who achieved recognition for her ability in the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Considered to be Britain's leading actress, her final performance on stage was in the role of Lady Macbeth. (1755-1831)

Author, playright and socialist. Biography and quotes from various publications.

Born in Calcutta, India. Returned to England with his parents and became a journalist and novelist. Wrote Vanity Fair, considered to be his best work, followed by The History of Henry Esmond, Newcomes, and The Virginians. (1811-1863)