Background
Wallack, James William was born on August 24, 1795 in London, England. Son of William H. and Elizabeth (Field) Granger Wallack.
Wallack, James William was born on August 24, 1795 in London, England. Son of William H. and Elizabeth (Field) Granger Wallack.
Attended Academic Theatre, Leicester Square, London.
With Company of Drury Lane Theatre, London, Royal Hibernian Theatre, Dublin, Ireland. Made American debut as Macbeth at Park Street Theatre, New York City, 1818. Toured American; played Don Cesar de Bazan, Captain Bertram in Fraternal Discord, Massaroni in The Brigand, Don Felix in The Wonder.
Played season in England, 1820, returned to American.
Played Hamlet, Rolla, Macbeth, Richard III, and Romeo in New York City. Appeared at Architecture Street Theater, Philadelphia, 1828.
Manager National Theatre, New York City, 1837. Managed Niblo’s Garden, 1839.
Appeared at Park Street Theatre, 1844.
Owner, manager Brougham’s Lyceum, New York City, 1852-1861. With son Lester opened New Wallack’s Theatre at Broadway and 13th Saint, New York City, 1861. Made frequent appearances in England throughout career.
Married Susan Johnstone, 1817, at least 2 children, John Lester, Charles.