Name Lawrence Marston | Role Actor | |
Spouse Lillian Lewis (m. 1888–1899) Movies The Evidence of the Film, The Woman in Black Similar People Edwin Thanhouser, William Garwood, Marie Eline, Florence La Badie, James Cruze | ||
Lawrence Marston (June 8, 1857-February 1, 1939) was an American actor, playwright, producer, stage director and film director.
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Biography
Marston was from Chicago. After working as an actor, producer and director for the stage, he became a film director with the Biograph Studios.
His first wife was actress Lillian Lewis, born in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, as Katherine (Kate) Lillian Manley. She was the daughter of George C. and Amanda Furman Manley. Four children were born to George and Amanda: Milton, Kate (Lillian), Fred and Mabel. George C. Manley was an American Civil War veteran born in the state of New York. His Grand Army of the Republic flag is at the grave site of his wife Amanda at Newton Cemetery just outside Emporium, Pennsylvania. It is not known if he had a grave marker or if time and vandalism have taken it. Amanda died March 19, 1865, her son, Milton died shortly after.
Lillian was employed for several terms as teacher in both Emporium and Shippen and considered to be a scholar with an energetic and pleasing disposition. About 1873, she moved to Minnesota with her father. She met Julius Lewis to whom she married and gave birth to Tott Lewis. Julius and Lillian divorced in Chicago on November 20, 1885. Her first appearance on the stage was in 1882, when she played Marianne in The Two Orphans at the Fifth Avenue Theater, New York City. After three years of success in various companies, she organized a company of her own and entered upon a successful career as a star at the People's Theater. New York, in the autumn of 1885. She chose the part of Cora in Article 47 for her introduction to the public on that occasion, and was well received. In addition she played the principal woman in Camille, The Lady of Lyons, An Unequal Match, The New Magdalen, Frou-Frou and Adrienne Lecouvreur.
In 1888 she married Marston, who had been for some time her leading man. Marston continued to act the principal men of her plays, managed her business, and adapted and wrote plays for her. By his work her repertory was increased with As in a Looking Glass, Doña Sol, Credit Lorraine, Lady Lil, Good-by, Sweetheart, Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra, An Innocent Sinner, For Liberty and Love and The Widow Goldstein. The last three were the joint work of Mr. and Mrs. Marston. Her last appearance was in St. Louis, April 27, 1898. The last year of her life was passed in seeking relief from consumption. She died in Farmington, Minnesota on August 11, 1899.
His second wife was billed as Mrs. Lawrence Marston.