Interview

Mrs. Brough, what is it like where you live?

Well, I was born in Paris and have lived most of my life in London. From what I remember of Paris as a child, it’s just what you would hear from stories. There were busy streets and cafes on every corner. Napoleon III was the ruler and I could remember there always being construction because he wanted to make a big transformation of Paris. I moved to Liverpool, England when I was young and life there was much more simple. My father died when I was young and though I didn’t know him very well personally I feel like I still knew enough to have a father daughter connection because he was very well known as a writer. I’d like to share a few photos with you of me as a younger girl, and the last is when I finally came to London.

 

 When I went to London is when my career as an actress started. The things that struck me there were the overpopulation, and the polluted air from black coal dust. The Underground Railway was pretty new when I arrived, and was absolutely astonishing! I was able to go on tour in the States in 1903, and shortly arrived back home. I didn’t get to see the rest of the world, but I didn’t need to because in 1907 Selfridges department store opened and brought the world to London carrying many extravagant and exotic items which I had never seen.

     When were you influenced to become an actress, and what was it that influenced you?

I was influenced to become an actress quite young actually. Being born into a family of well-known, successful people, it was almost expected that I would become something big. My father, Robert Baranabas Brough, was a well known writer, famous for news writing and poetry. My uncle, William Brough, was a famous playwright, and as a girl I wanted to be a star in his next play! With so many famous people in my family I had to find a way to stand out. My aunt was a very famous and recognized vocalist. I didn’t have her perfect pitch, but she played a part in my natural propensity pulling me towards the stage! As a young girl, I fed off of making people laugh. I noticed I quickly became the center of attention when I got everyone in my family to laugh. This is probably what led me to become a mostly comedic actress.

   

      What adults played a role (no pun intended!) in the influence of your acting career?

Like I said just before, the most successful people in my family were my father, my great aunt, and my uncle. But of course I had other influences as well. As my career became more established I met my husband, Richard Smith Bull (known as Richard Smith Boleyn on stage.) Richard was a very famous actor, playing on famous stages such as the Globe Theater, and he like me is most well known for comedies. We are a match made in comedy heaven, and I’m sure my later work was influenced by him as well. We just couldn’t stop laughing!

      What is it like being an actress in general at this specific time Fanny?

Being an actress right now is wonderful! I love knowing that I entertain so many people. Right now, theatre is becoming more available to all people, not just aristocracy. The Underground railway made transportation easier and more affordable for people to attend the theatre more often.  

Also, in showing that women can do anything that men can do I am trying to be a good role for young girls. Pursuing your dreams while making a difference in the world is the most wonderful thing.

       What are some major cultural, economic and political situations going on that have an influence or impact on your work?

As my career blossomed, I knew I had to help my fellow female actresses. Becoming president of Theatrical Ladies Guild in the 1890s made me more humble. The Guild helped struggling actresses who were new mothers. We did so many different things like sewing clothes for babies, fighting for women doctors to help with childbirth, and finding caregivers while struggling actresses looked for work. Without the Guild actresses wouldn’t have the support needed to get by in this field, let alone try to thrive.

I and members of my family had influence on the current times. My uncle, William Brough was not afraid of using political references in his plays including unkind references to Prime Minister Gladstone in his staging of “Pygmalion.” Also, when I was the originator in “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” I made a huge influence on women and society about how prostitution was not to be blamed on women but to be blamed on how society forced poor women to make money for their families and survive that way.

      What methods did you use to become a successful actress?

It’s impossible to be born a great actress, but I was born a very outgoing person which didn’t hurt in my acting career. But what I do to wonderfully portray any role goes beyond memorizing my lines. I must become the character. Love what they love, hate what they hate and be offended at what they would find offensive. I completely put myself in someone else’s shoes and it will come naturally.

 

      What were some of your major accomplishments?

I was once presented with a large portrait by the Senor Leopoldo Casa-y-Mano, the author himself of “The Woman and the Law” because of my excellent portrayal of Petrella! This is the role of which I was born for! Some of my biggest roles that I’m most proud of besides that are Fuchia Leach in “Moths,” Mary Melrose in “Our Boys,” and Ethel Grainger in “Married in Haste.” Some of the other big parts I’ve played have been Clara Douglas in “Money,” Mrs. Egerton Bompas in “The Times,” Fanny Parkhous in “Two Thorns,” and the heroine in “War.” And I’ve been in four Broadway productions which were “The Duke of Killicrankie,” “Saucy Sally,” “The Man from Blankey’s,” and “My Daughter-in-Law.”

As you can see I am a big fan of comedies. “My sense of humour has served me in glorious stead throughout my whole life and I should die if I could not laugh.” (Black, Helen, 1890) There was a lot of struggle and strife in the world during this time, and a good sense of humor keeps the doctor away!

  

      Were there any obstacles that could have potentially stopped you from becoming an actress? How did you overcome them?

(Mrs. Brough pauses and takes a sip of tea while contemplating my question)

I was blessed to be born into a privileged family with many well-known artists. Things came easily for me, and I started acting at a young age. I wish to tell you a very dramatic story of an insurmountable obstacle that I overcame, but my life has been mostly peaches and cream! Because of all the privilege I did feel a strong duty to help my fellow actresses. I most enjoyed comedic acting, but felt pulled to share serious work like “Mrs. Warren’s Profession.” Making it a little easier for struggling women to act was a priority for me later in life as I reflected on how hard it could have been if I was in most womens’ shoes. That’s why I went to work at the Theatrical Ladies Guild.

       What personal stories in your life best illustrate how you became an artist?

As a child I tried to stand out from my peers, but there were a lot of great, accomplished people in my life. I found my gift when my family laughed at my personality. I started to always look for opportunities to crack a joke. Comedy came easy to me, eventually it became a part of me. When cast in shows, I always was first looked at for the comedic roles, because I was not afraid to make any situation funny.

       How would you say your work as an actress influenced the acting community?

I would say that I made a big influence on women who want to become actresses. Hopefully I made it clear that hard work and passion will help you pursue your dreams and that I have made an impact beyond just my specific world of acting. It takes a village of support to allow women to thrive in the arts. From domestic chores, to child rearing, to caring for elders, women are in charge of so much of the most important aspects of life. It’s important for women to have a chance to live their dreams, and the only way to make that happen is to have a support system like the Theatrical Ladies Guild.