Actress Marie Tempest (Part 2)

 

Imagine the bright lights of London’s West End, the roar of the crowd, and at the center of it all, a woman who could make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with the theater all over again. Marie Tempest was an actress, trailblazer, and the undisputed Queen of the Stage.

Mary Susan Etherington, born in London on July 15, 1864, was destined for greatness, though you wouldn’t have known it from the start. Her father was a clergyman and expected his daughter to follow a more traditional path. But Mary had a spark, a twinkle in her eye, and a voice like no other.

Mary’s parents sent her off to the Royal Academy of Music to train as a classical singer. That was the plan, but the thing about plans is they often change, especially when young girls and the theater are thrown into the mix. A few short years later, Mary changed her name to Marie Tempest—stepped onto the stage, and there was no turning back.

Fast forward to 1885. Marie Tempest, age 21, was about to make her mark on the world of musical theater in Dorothy, a light-hearted operetta by Alfred Cellier. And then, the magic happened. Dorothy ran for over 900 performances. Marie dazzled audiences with her voice, her charm, and a stage presence that was impossible to ignore. Overnight, she became the darling of London’s West End.

Marie Tempest wasn’t just a singer, though. Her success in musical theater was just the beginning. As the years went on, Marie branched out, exploring new roles and genres. She took on comedic roles with a natural ease, revealing a talent for humor that left audiences in stitches. By the early 20th century, she was a household name, not just for her voice, but for her comedic timing and ability to bring depth to even the most light-hearted characters.

In 1899, she starred in Arthur Wing Pinero’s play, The Gay Lord Quex, as Sophie Fullgarney. Critics raved about her performance. Audiences couldn’t get enough. Tempest had a knack for comedy that was unparalleled—she could make you laugh, but she could also make you feel.

Marie’s success on the stage was matched only by her influence off it. In an era when the theater was largely dominated by men, Marie Tempest was a trailblazer. She knew her worth and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and her fellow actors. She helped found the Actors’ Benevolent Fund, an organization that provided financial help to actors who had fallen on hard times. Her efforts helped many actors find support during tough times.

In 1907, Marie married Cosmo Gordon-Lennox, an actor and playwright who shared her love for the theater. They often collaborated on productions, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on stage. Marie didn’t just play the roles; she lived them, infusing each character with a part of herself, making every performance a unique experience for the audience.

Marie Tempest continued to dominate the stage as she aged. But rather than sticking to the roles that had made her famous, she stretched the boundaries of her talents, taking on characters that showcased her range and experience. 

One of her most beloved roles came later in her career when she played Mrs. Bennett in a stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. If you’ve read the book, you know Mrs. Bennett is a bit of a handful. She’s meddlesome, a little over the top, but ultimately lovable. And who better to bring such a character to life than Marie Tempest? Her portrayal was a masterclass in comedic acting, full of humor but also a deep understanding of the character’s humanity.

Marie’s most memorable performance came in 1935 when she stepped into the role of Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. She was 71, but you’d never know it from watching her perform. Marie was as sharp, witty, and as commanding as ever, delivering a performance critics hailed as one of the best of her career. The role could have easily been played for laughs alone, but Tempest brought a depth to Lady Bracknell that made the character more than just a punchline. She was simply unforgettable.

Marie Tempest also served as a mentor and guiding light for the next generation of actors. She believed in the theater’s power to entertain, educate, and inspire. She shared that belief with everyone she worked with, passing on her knowledge and passion to up-and-coming performers. Her influence can still be felt today, in the performances of actors who, knowingly or unknowingly, follow in her footsteps.

Marie passed away on October 15, 1942, at 78, but her legacy lives on. She left behind a body of work that continues to inspire, a legacy of advocacy and mentorship, and a standard of excellence that few have matched.

Marie Tempest wasn’t just an actress—she was the queen of her profession, a title she earned through hard work, talent, and an undeniable love for the craft. And even today, nearly 100 years later, her influence is still felt in the world of theater. So, the next time you find yourself in a theater, think of Marie Tempest—her spirit, her dedication, and her undying passion for the stage. Because if there’s one thing we know, the legacy of Marie Tempest will never fade.