George Holland

George Holland (1791–1870) was an English American stage actor, born in London, 6 December 1791. His father was a tradesman. The boy was first sent to preparatory schools in Lambeth, and afterward to a boarding-school. He did not prove a devoted student: he was more remarkable for his pranks than for his proficiency in learning. He was taken home by his father and set to work in the silk and ribbon warehouse of Messrs. Hill & Newcombe, Wood Street, Cheapside, London. Prior to beginning to work, though, he had a six weeks long vacation during which he had his first experience on the stage at Astley's Amphitheatre. He was delighted by the activities which he experienced. His work with the silk mercers passed six months, selling silk and ribbons and "silk" hats, the latter articles having then only just come into fashion. Other ventures passed by, and at the age of nineteen George was apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Davison, of Whitefriars, to learn the trade of printer, and in a vain pursuit of skill in that vocation he spent two years. He was a vigorous young man who was a member of a boat club: he could—and frequently did—row from London Bridge to Richmond and back again, twenty miles (32 km) each way. Young Holland's way of life unfitted him for the printing business, and when twenty-one years of age he was fortunate enough to get his indentures cancelled.

He wandered to Liverpool, then to Dublin in 1816 where, at the age of twenty-five he was established in business for himself, to sell bobinet lace, manufactured in Nottingham. His shop was in Crow street, Dublin, near the Crow Street Theatre, and immediately opposite to a favorite haunt of jolly boys (topers), called Peter Kearney's Inn. To that resort George frequently repaired, and there he made many theatrical acquaintances. The bobinet-lace business lasted six months, when George settled his affairs, took down his sign, and returned to England, to embark on that theatrical career which continued, through many vicissitudes of fortune, to the end of his days. George Holland was fifty-three years an actor, - more than half-a-century of entrances and exits!

The first engagement that Holland secured was made with Mr. Samuel Russell, familiarly known as "Jerry Sneak Russell," the stage-manager for Robert William Elliston. Following that engagement Elliston offered a second engagement at Birmingham Theatre. On 19 May 1817, the theatre opened with "Bertram" and "The Broken Sword," with him in the role of Baron in the latter play. His wig and cosmetics were not suited to the role that he was to portray and he was literally laughed and hooted from the stage. For a time after this misadventure the unlucky comedian was known as "Baron Holland;" he kept away from the stage for a while, yet after some time, Elliston reinstated him in the company, and he was made prompter. He soon became well-known amongst stage actors, and associated with the best-known actors of the time.

...
Wikipedia