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New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 9

When the late American comedian James Lewis was buried, not long’ since, there were gathered around his grave three actresses who-e united ages reached a total of more than 220 \ ears. These were Mrs Gilbert, who hai for so long been associated with Mr Lewis in tho Daly Company, airs John Drew, the mother of Mr Daly’s former leading actor, and Mrs Louisa Did ridge. Mrs Gilbert is over 70, Mrs Drew is 78 and Mrs Kldridge i 3 70. The last-named is one of the most popular women in the dramatic profession in America, and is “Aunt” to all her comrades. Mrs Drew has been for several years associated with Mr Joseph Jefferson, playing Mrs Malaprop whenever that famous comedian has produced “ The Rivals.” She made her first appearance 74 years ago, and until a comparatively short time ago she used, in spite of her age, to appear as Lady Teazle in “ The School for Scandal.” In her “grand manner ” she may be likened to the late Mrs Stirling. Mrs Eldridge does not appear much in public now, but at one time used to be a comedy and character actress.