Bracegirdle, Anne

views updated

Anne Bracegirdle, 1663?–1748, English actress. A pupil of Betterton, she was the delight of Colley Cibber and the favorite of Congreve, achieving her greatest successes as the heroines of Congreve's comedies, which were written for her. Eclipsed by Anne Oldfield, she retired in 1707, but in 1710 made a reappearance as Angelica in Love for Love together with Betterton and Mrs. Barry.