biography
| name: |
Sheridan, Richard Brinsley (Butler)
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1751–1816)
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| biography:
| Playwright, born in Dublin, Ireland. He studied at Harrow, turned immediately to writing, and settled in London. In 1775 appeared the highly successful comedy of manners, The Rivals, and this was followed by several other comedies and farces, notably The School for Scandal (1777). He became manager of Drury Lane Theatre in 1778, and a Whig MP (1780–1812). He proved to be a great parliamentary orator, and held various junior offices. The extravagances of his second wife, and the burning down of his theatre in 1809, caused him grave financial hardship, and he died in poverty. |
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