Lewis, James

(1838-1896)

   Born in Troy, New York, this popular comedian, one of the "Big Four" of Augustin Daly's company (a group including Ada Rehan, Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, and John Drew), began his theatrical apprenticeship in Mrs. John Wood's troupe, performing in burlesque. Lewis joined Daly in 1869 and remained in the company until his death. He scored personal successes in a range of classic and contemporary comedies, particularly in Shakespeare, with his Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1888), Touchstone in As You Like It (1891), and Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night (1893) as particular standouts.