Merry, Ann Brunton (1769–1808)

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Merry, Ann Brunton (1769–1808)

English-born actress. Name variations: Ann Brunton. Born Ann Brunton, May 30, 1769, in London, England; died June 28, 1808, in Alexandria, VA; dau. of John Brunton (manager of Theatre Royal in Norwich); m. Robert Merry (poet), Aug 1791 (died Dec 1798); m. Thomas Wignell (theater manager), 1803 (died 1803); m. William Warren, Aug 1806.

Leading tragic actress of American stage, made debut in The Grecian Daughter (Bath, 1785); made London debut at Covent Garden in The Roman Father (1785); immigrated to US (1796) and made triumphant American debut in Philadelphia in Romeo and Juliet (1796); made NY debut in Venice Preserved (1797).