Miller, Henry

(1860-1926)

   Actor and producer Henry John Miller was born in London, moved with his family to Canada, and began acting in Toronto at 18. He made his New York debut at Booth's Theatre in 1880. Subsequent engagements included a stint with Augustin Daly's company in 1882, the Madison Square Theatre (1882-1885), and Daniel Frohman's Lyceum in 1887. Miller rose to stardom under Charles Frohman from 1889 to 1897. The New York Times review of Heartsease (12 January 1897) described him as "an actor of good presence, sensibility, ambition, and zeal, not endowed with a very expressive countenance, though he makes good use of his small natural equipment; possessing a rather monotonous voice, and no extraordinary share of physical power. He has been a popular favorite, and is likely to increase his popularity under the shrewd management of Charles Frohman." Miller maintained his star status for over 15 years, and it was claimed that he played more roles than any other leading actor. In 1902, he began playing opposite Margaret Anglin, with whom he starred in the play still most associated with his name, The Great Divide (1906), in which he made his London debut in 1909. The role of Stephen Ghent served the handsome, manly actor well, and he revived the play in New York in 1917. In 1918, he opened his own theatre, Henry Miller's Theatre, in New York. An affectionate biography, Backstage with Henry Miller by Frank P. Morse (who maintained that Miller's voice was "melodious," 9), was published in 1938.