John Brougham was an Irish and American actor, dramatist, poet, theatre manager, and author. As an actor he was celebrated for his portrayals of comic Irish characters. The author of more than seventy-five dramatic works, with some sources stating more than 150, he was particularly successful in the genres of burlesque and satire. His large output of subversive satirical stage works earned him the nickname "The American Aristophanes" among critics. In addition to his work as a playwright he published two volumes of his miscellaneous writings; including essays, poems, and other works.