Peg Woffington

Peg Woffington (c. 1714-1760), Irish actress, whose real name was Margaret. Woffington was born in Dublin, Ireland. To eke out her family finances, she assisted a tightrope walker, who in turn trained her for the stage. After becoming a success in the Dublin theatre, Woffington had her first London success in 1740 as Silvia in The Recruiting Officer by George Farquhar. She was immensely popular in parts that called for the donning of male attire (known as “breeches parts”), for example in the role of Sir Harry Wildair in The Constant Couple (1741). Woffington frequently performed with the great actor and theatrical manager David Garrick.

Woffington was noted for her generosity towards the poor and the faithful support of her family. Many artists, among them William Hogarth, painted her portrait. Comfortable acting in both comedy and tragedy, she excelled in depicting ladies of fashion as much as in breeches parts. Woffington retired from the stage in 1757. Her career is the subject of a vivid romance, Peg Woffington (1853), by the English novelist Charles Reade.