Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Edward Loomis Davenport (born November 15, 1815, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.—died September 1, 1877, Canton, Pennsylvania) was one of the most skilled and popular American actors of the mid-19th century. Three of his finest roles were Hamlet, Brutus in Julius Caesar, and Sir Giles Overreach in Philip Massinger’s comedy A New Way to Pay Old Debts. In spite of family opposition, Davenport went on the stage, making his debut in 1836 under the stage name Mr....