Edward H. Sothern.
How many failures in life are caused by misfit occupations! The world would have perhaps never known of Edward H. Sothern if he had followed the wishes of his father in choosing a life career. This man, who has attained such prominence in the histrionic profession would probably have been doomed to obscurity had he become a painter. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 6, 1859, being the second son of Edward Askew Sothern, the famous comedian. At the age of five he was taken to London, where he received his education. He studied drawing for some time, his father wishing him to become an artist, but he seems to have inherited a predilection for the stage. It was during his two visits to the United States with his father in 1875 and 1879, that, in spite of his parents’ objections, he decided to become an actor, which he did, making his début as a cabman, in Sam, at the Park theater, New York city. Later he joined his father’s company, but shortly after resigned in order to become a member of John McCullough’s company. In 1883, after appearing for two years at the Criterion, Standard, Royalty and other London theaters, and traveling one year, in company with his brother, Lytton Sothern, he returned to this country, again entered the company of John McCullough, becoming its leading comedian. Subsequently Mr. Sothern played with Helen Daubray, in One of Our Girls; he first took a leading rôle as Jack Hammerton, in The Highest Bidder. Since that time he has starred with his own company in Lord Chumley, The Maister of Woodbarrow, Prisoner of Zenda, Under the Red Robe, etc. He married Virginia Harned, his leading woman. Mr. Sothern has had an adequate professional training and his creditable work proclaims him a master of his art.