Fechter

Fechter, CHARLES ALBERT, an actor of eminence, was born in London, 23d October 1824, his father being a Frenchman of German extraction, his mother an Englishwoman. When only three or four years old he went with his parents to France, and was there educated as a sculptor. His predilections were, however, in favour of the stage; and, making his début in 1840, he soon became a popular actor. In 1860 he appeared in London with great success in an English version of Ruy Blas, and next year astonished Londoners by his powerful impersonations of Hamlet and of Othello, departing widely from stage traditions. Subsequently Fechter became the lessee of the Lyceum Theatre, playing the chief part in most of the pieces produced. In 1869 and 1872 Fechter paid visits to the United States, where he thenceforward remained. He was not successful as a manager in Boston. He died at his farm near Quakertown, Pennsylvania, 5th August 1879.