Edward Alleyn

Edward Alleyn (born September 1st 1566) was considered to be one of the most celebrated actors of the Elizabethan stage. He was a member of the Admiral’s Men, run by Philip Henslowe, and received critical admiration for his interpretations of many of Christopher Marlowe’s greatest characters, including Tamburlaine, Doctor Faustus and the Jew of Malta.

In 1592, Alleyn married Philip Henslowe’s stepdaughter and henceforth joined Henslowe in many business schemes and theatrical ventures. Eventually, Alleyn became the sole proprietor of several major playhouses in London, including the Rose Theatre, the Paris Garden and the Fortune Theatre (at which The Admiral’s Men played).

In 1623, Alleyn’s wife died, and he married the daughter of the poet John Donne. Three years later, on November 25th 1626, Alleyn himself died in London.