Sinclair, Catherine (1817–1891)

views updated

Sinclair, Catherine (1817–1891)

English-American actress. Name variations: Catherine Norton Sinclair, Mrs. C. N. Sinclair; Catherine Forrest or Catherine Norton Sinclair Forrest. Born Catherine Norton Sinclair, Feb 20, 1817, in London, England; died June 9, 1891, in New York, NY; dau. of John Sinclair (ballad and operatic singer) and Catherine (Norton) Sinclair; m. Edwin Forrest (actor), June 23, 1837 (div. 1852, died 1872); children: 4 (all died at birth).

Arrived in US following marriage (1837); traveled the theatrical circuit with well-known actor husband (1837–49); was charged by husband with infidelity (1849); received widespread newspaper coverage during divorce trial (Dec 1851–Jan 1852), winning the case; appearing as "Mrs. C. N. Sinclair, the late Mrs. Forrest" despite lack of experience as an actress, played Lady Teazle in The School for Scandal in NY (1852); was actress-manager at Metropolitan Theatre in San Francisco, CA (1853–55) and for Edwin Booth at Sacramento and Forrest Theatres, Sacramento, CA (1855–56); performed in Australia and England (1856–57); retired (1860).

About this article

Sinclair, Catherine (1817–1891)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article