Rememberences and Recollections

Ira Frederick Aldridge
1806? - 1867

An authoritative biography of Aldridge was authorized in 1958 by Herbert Marshall and Mildred Stock. New and reliable biographical information about Aldridge has been found in the 1867 files of the San Francisco Elevator. This newspaper was edited and published by the actor’s classmate and correspondent, Philip A. Bell, an all but forgotten Negro of great distinction. The Elevator received notification of Aldridge's death from its New York correspondent, James J. Spellman...

Bell then gave an extended account of the actor in the September 20, 1867 issue of his newspaper. Aldridge was "a jet black man,” born in New York City about 1806. The Negro surname, Aldridge, was not uncommon in the New York City directories before 1860.

… According to Bell, both the editor and Aldridge left school together in 1822, Bell to gain further education, and Aldridge to learn the shoemaker trade. In the same year, a retired Liverpool ship steward named Brown open a theater on Mercer Street, which permanently separated Aldridge from shoemaking. In describing Brown’s theater, Marshall states:

… Aldridge was discovered by the great Shakespearean, James W. Wollack, Sr., "Who induced him to accompanying him to England and try his fortunes in another hemisphere where prejudice against color would be no barrier to his advancement." Thus, Aldridge appears to have left New York in 1823 or 1824 with Wollack rather than "as the personal attendant" of Edmund Keen as has been stated in most biographical accounts.

Ira Aldridge's success in Europe was almost beyond belief. During a career of more than four decades, …, he was reported to have “received more decorations of honor and orders of knighthood than any actor who ever lived." James Spelman reported that Aldridge at the time of his death, had agreed to appear at New York City Academy of Music in a role supported by William Davidge and Madame Methua-Schueller. His desire to return to the United States is supported by Bell who wrote: "Before coming to California in 1860, we corresponded occasionally with Mr. Aldridge, and in one of his letters he expressed his determination to visit New York after his retirement from the stage. He was anxious once again to see his old friends and relatives."

Aldridge died in Poland on his way to an appearance in Russia. More extended accounts of his distinguished career may be found in several of the sources which follow. In San Francisco today, his name is commemorated by the Aldridge players West, and active theatrical group.

Click here to read the entire essay, written circa 1976