English actress. Her working life began as a flower seller and street singer, she later worked for a milliner where she learned costume and French - skills that were to prove useful. She took to acting, her debut being at The Haymarket in 1755 as Miranda in Susannah Centlivre's 'Busybody'. The following year she joined the Drury Lane Company. After an unhappy marriage and being overshadowed by actresses such as Kitty Clive, she moved to Ireland where she found greater success. She was persuaded to return to Drury Lane by the great David Garrick, and was the first to play more than thirty notable characters including Lady Teazle, Beatrice, Portia, Desdemona and Ophelia. In 1782 she left Drury Lane for Covent Garden, and worked until 1799 (with a seven year break near the end). Her wit and intelligence ensured her popularity in society. Women of fashion copied her clothing, and a head-dress she wore was widely adopted and known as the 'Abington cap'.
English actress. Her working life began as a flower seller and street singer, she later worked for a milliner where she learned costume and French - skills that were to prove useful. She took to acting, her debut being at The Haymarket in 1755 as Miranda in Susannah Centlivre's 'Busybody'. The following year she joined the Drury Lane Company. After an unhappy marriage and being overshadowed by actresses such as Kitty Clive, she moved to Ireland where she found greater success. She was persuaded to return to Drury Lane by the great David Garrick, and was the first to play more than thirty notable characters including Lady Teazle, Beatrice, Portia, Desdemona and Ophelia. In 1782 she left Drury Lane for Covent Garden, and worked until 1799 (with a seven year break near the end). Her wit and intelligence ensured her popularity in society. Women of fashion copied her clothing, and a head-dress she wore was widely adopted and known as the 'Abington cap'.
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