Thomas Hull (actor)

Thomas Hull (1728–1808) was an English actor and dramatist.

Born in 1728 in Strand, London, where his father practised as an apothecary, he was educated at Charterhouse School, with a view to a career in the church. He made an unsuccessful attempt to follow his father's profession.

According to Biographia Dramatica, Hull first appeared at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin; and then moved on to Bath, Somerset, where he managed the theatre for John Palmer. His first recorded appearance was, however, at Covent Garden Theatre, 5 October 1759, as Elder Wou'dbe in George Farquhar's Twin Rivals. At Covent Garden Hull stayed without a break, apparently, till the end of his career, a period of forty-eight years. He was the original Harpagus in John Hoole's Cyrus (3 December 1768), Edwin in William Mason's Elfrida (21 November 1772), Pizarro in Arthur Murphy's Alzuma (23 February 1773), Mador in Mason's Caractacus (6 December 1776), Sir Hubert in Hannah More's Percy (10 December 1777), and Mr. Shandy in Leonard McNally's Tristram Shandy (26 April 1783).

From 1775 to 1782 Hull managed Covent Garden for George Colman. It was his pride that during his long connection with Covent Garden he only missed playing his part once, when he was confined to his bed by a fever. The plays attributed to him, with one or two exceptions which are noted, were acted at Covent Garden.

Hull's name appeared for the last time on the bills on 28 December 1807, when he played the Uncle in George Barnwell. He died on 22 April 1808 at his house, near Dean's Yard, Westminster, and was buried in the churchyard of St. Margaret's, Westminster. Hull played a role in establishing the Theatrical Fund, taking the initiative over the distresses of Mrs. Hamilton, and calling the actors together. He married Miss Morrison, an actress.

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