Even as a schoolboy the famous comedian, Nat. C. Goodwin, by his
clever imitations of leading actors, displayed signs of his future
greatness. He was born in Boston, July 25, 1857, and educated in the
public schools of that city. His parents intended that he should follow
a commercial career, but he early decided for the stage as against
a business life. His mirth-provoking powers were finally recognized
by Stuart Robson, who engaged young Goodwin at a salary of $5 a week
to play the part of the Bootblack, in Law in New York. Mr. Goodwin’s
reputation was quickly established, and the next season he contracted
with Josh Hart to appear in the Eagle theater in New York city,
at a salary of $150 a week. In 1876 he played Captain Dietrich in
Evangeline, and three years later entered upon his career as a star,
a practically unbroken line of successes having followed both here and
abroad, for when, in 1890, he filled a long engagement in London, he
was received with every manifestation of approval. Mr. Goodwin has been
married three times, the last wife being Maxine Elliott.