Mills, John

1736

This actor and manager appeared on the stages of Drury Lane and Dorset Garden by 1695 and soon became an important player. In 1709 he contracted to perform at the Queen’s Theatre, but he returned to Drury Lane in 1710. There he remained the rest of his life acting major roles in an extensive repertoire, among which were Othello, Julius Caesar, Chamont in “The Orphan”, the Ghost and Hamlet in “Hamlet”, Osmyn in “The Mourning Bride”, Horatio in “The Fair Penitent” and Gloucester in “King Lear”. He also assisted in the management of Drury Lane. Though some critics complained of his ranting, Mills was described as ‘the most useful actor that ever served a theatre.’ He excelled as Pierre in “Venice Preserv’d” (G0606). Mills died in November 1736. (BDA)