Forrest is generally regarded as America’s first theatrical superstar for his 50 year career in the public spotlight. His brawny physique and booming baritone voice are especially ideal for roles such as Shakespeare’s tragic heroes. He becomes a symbol of the tensions between his working classes fans and the wealthy, who favor his British stage rival, William Macready. This results in the 1849 riot protesting Macready’s appearance at the Astor Opera House in New York. Despite a large police presence, 31 rioters are killed and upwards of 200 others are wounded. In 1850 Forrest accuses author Nathaniel Willis of seducing his wife and horsewhips him in public. He also dabbles in Democrat Party politics, amasses a large fortune and builds the Forrest Theater in Philadelphia before dying in 1872.
Edwin Forrest Actor
