Richard Bell (died 1672) was an English stage actor. He joined the King's Company based at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (then located in Bridges Street, modern Catherine Street)[1] in 1668. Considered a promising actor he appeared in the premieres of two plays by John Dryden and William Wycherley's debut Love in a Wood. His career was cut short when he was killed in a fire that destroyed the Bridges Street theatre on 25 January 1672.[2] A planned role for him in Wycherley's new play The Gentleman Dancing Master had to be cut.[3]

Selected roles

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References

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  1. Nicoll, Allardyce (1961). A History of English Drama 1660–1900. Restoration Drama 1660–1700. Vol. 1 (4th ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 322.
  2. Wilson p.14
  3. McCarthy p.49

Bibliography

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  • McCarthy, B. Eugene. William Wycherley: A Biography. Ohio University Press, 1979.
  • Van Lennep, W. The London Stage, 1660-1800: Volume One, 1660-1700. Southern Illinois University Press, 1960.
  • Wilson, John Harold. Mr. Goodman the Player. University of Pittsburgh Press, 1964.