FAMOUS ACTOR DEAD.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18671, 21 April 1926, Page 9

FAMOUS ACTOR DEAD.

1 * SIR SQUIRE BANCROFT. (BT CABLB—HUSSS ASSOCIATION—COPIBIOHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AND If.Z. CABLB ASSOCIATION.) (Received April 20th, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 19. The death is announced of Sir Squire Bancroft. [Ah both author and actor, Sir Squire Bancroft was one of the foremost men of his day. He was born in London in 1841 and was educated in private schools in both 'England and France. In 1861 he made his first appearance on the stage at Birmingham, and acted subsequently at many of the leading provincial theatres with all the prominent stars of the stage. For 20 years he was manager of the old Prince of Wales's and Haymarket Theatres, during which period the modern revival of the stage was commenced. In 1867 he married the famous actress, Miss Marie Effie Wilton, who predeceased her husband in 1921. Sir Squire Bancroft retired from an exceptional career of successful management in 1886, but he acted subsequently for a short time with Sir Henry Irving. For notable services to his he was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1897. Sir Squire Bancroft devoted much time to "Readings" for hospitals throughout the United Kingdom, by which means he raised £20,000. As an indication of the high esteem in which he was held he was elected president of the Royal Academy of Dramatio Art. He was also, a member of the Lord Chamberlain'a Advisory Board for the 'Licensing of Plays. With his late wife he was joint author of the book "On and Off the Stage," a work which was written in 1888. He was also author of "The Bancroft Recollections of Sixty Years," while his latest work, "Empty Chairs," published in 1925, created something of a sensation in London.]