Horton, Christiana (c. 1696–c. 1756)

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Horton, Christiana (c. 1696–c. 1756)

English actress. Born around 1696; died around 1756.

Discovered by the actor-manager Barton Booth at Southwark Fair, Christiana Horton first appeared in London at Drury Lane as Melinda in The Recruiting Officer in 1714. She would remain there for the next 20 years, followed by 15 years at Covent Garden. At both houses, she was cast in all the leading tragedy and comedy parts. Booth claimed that the actress was the rightful successor of Anne Oldfield . Christiana Horton was the original Mariana in Henry Fielding's Miser (1733). She also appeared as Mrs. Millamant in Way of the World and as Belinda in Old Bachelor.

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