Gilbert, John

Gilbert, John [né Gibbs] (1810–89), actor. One of the finest actors of his day, most distinguished in comic parts such as Sir Anthony Absolute and Sir Peter Teazle, he was born in Boston, where his next‐door neighbor and childhood friend was Charlotte Cushman. Gilbert made his stage debut at the local Tremont Theatre as Jaffier in Venice Preserved (1828). Shortly thereafter, he left to work in Mississippi River towns before making his New York bow as Sir Edmund Mortimer in The Iron Chest (1839). Although Gilbert continued for several years to play in tragedy and melodrama, he turned increasingly to comic parts. His somewhat portly build and round, sober‐miened face led him to prefer roles as older men. He performed at the Park Theatre until it burned down, then served unsuccessfully as manager of the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. In 1862 he joined Lester Wallack's company, making his first appearance there as Sir Peter. He remained with Wallack until the company disbanded in 1888, serving not only as a principal comedian but as stage manager as well. He also assumed serious roles such as Miles McKenna in Rosedale (1863). He died while touring with Joseph Jefferson in The Rivals. Gilbert was an archly conservative actor of the old school. He was considered a cold, haughty person but respected as a conscientious and skilled artist. He prided himself as well on his learning and had amassed a fine library before his death.