Memories of an Old Actor

Book excerpt: Walter Leman was a native of Boston, and began his career as a journeyman actor there, at the Tremont Theatre, aged 17. He appeared most frequently in his home town, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and post gold rush California. In this book he describes his youthful enthusiasm for theater, and the notables with whom he acted. As was typical of the time, he appeared in a wide range of contemporary and classic works. His memories are colorful, and his reminiscences of his colleagues are warm and complimentary. An engaging peek into the workings of the theatre and the professional actors milieu during the 19th century.