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.