Samuel Foote

Samuel Foote was an actor, playwright, and theatre manager. Foote was baptized January 27, 1721 in England. From 1737 to 1740, Foote went to Worcester College, Oxford. After dwindling inheritances and living in Paris, Foote pursued an acting career in London.

Foote was considered a comic actor, whose works focused on the social issues of his time. Foote's works include The Diversions of the Morning, An Auction of Pictures, The Minor, The Mayor of Garret, The Orators, The Liar.

Foote was also known for "breaking dramatic illusion." For example, in response to the amputation of one of his legs, Foote wrote and acted in plays designed for people with one leg. Foote is also remembered for evading government opposition to "dramatic performance" via plays he deemed rehearsals or actor-training sessions, which did not require performance licenses.

Foote died October 21, 1777, in Dover.