Irwin, May (1862–1938)

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Irwin, May (1862–1938)

Canadian-born American actress and singer. Name variations: May Campbell. Born Georgia Campbell, June 27, 1862, in Whitby, Ontario, Canada; died Oct 22, 1938, in New York, NY; 2nd of 2 daughters of Robert E. and Jane (Draper) Campbell; sister of Flo Irwin (entertainer); attended St. Cecilia Convent, Mount Hope, Ontario; m. Frederick W. Keller (businessman), 1878 (died 1886); m. Kurt Eisfeldt (her agent), May 26, 1907; children: (1st m.) Walter and Harry.

With sister Ada (known as Flo Irwin), made 1st professional appearance as Irwin Sisters in Buffalo (1875); with sister, debuted in NY at London Theatre (1877) and performed vaudeville and burlesque with Tony Pastor's co. (NY); launching a solo career, joined Augustin Daly's stock co. (1883); made London debut in Dollars and Sense (1884); had greatest successes in full-length farces including A Country Sport (1893) and The Widow Jones; known for introducing such songs as "After the Ball," "I'm Looking for de Bully" (published as "May Irwin's Bully Song"), "A Hot Time in the Old Town" and "The Opera Rag."

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Irwin, May (1862–1938)

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Irwin, May (1862–1938)