William Terriss

Who was William Terriss?

William Terriss, born as William Charles James Lewin, was an English actor, known for his swashbuckling hero roles, such as Robin Hood. He was also a notable Shakespearian performer and father of the Edwardian musical comedy star Ellaline Terriss and the film director Tom Terriss.

Athletic as a child, Terriss briefly joined the merchant service and tried several professions abroad before returning to London. Adapting the stage name William Terriss, he made his first appearance in the West End at the old Prince of Wales's Theatre as Lord Cloudrays in Tom Robertson's Society in 1871. The same year, he had major success in Robin Hood and Rebecca and quickly established himself as one of Britain's most popular actors. In 1880, he joined Henry Irving's company at the Lyceum Theatre, appearing in Shakespeare plays.

In 1885, he met 24-year-old Jessie Millward, with whom he starred in The Harbour Lights. They became lovers and toured Britain and America together. Terriss played the hero parts in Adelphi melodramas from the late 1880s, among other roles.