Anne Bracegirdle

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.

Bracegirdle, Anne (?1673/4–1748), a famous actress, the friend of Congreve, to the success of whose comedies on stage she largely contributed. She was finally eclipsed by Mrs Oldfield in 1707 and retired from the stage.

Bracegirdle, Anne (c. 1673–1748), one of the first English actresses, pupil and protégée of Betterton. As a child of 6 or 7 she was already a member of his company, and in Downes's Roscius Anglicanus (1708) she is mentioned as one of the leading young actresses at Drury Lane in 1688. She went with Betterton to Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre in 1695, where she was much admired as Angelica in the opening production, Love for Love by Congreve, whose mistress she was for some years. She was also considered outstanding as Millamant in his The Way of the World (1700). She left the stage at the height of her powers in 1707, wisely preferring not to be overshadowed by her younger rival Anne Oldfield.