Michael Mohun

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Michael Mohun (1616?—buried October 11, 1684) was a leading British actor both before and after the 1642—1660 closing of the theatres. He was also active in 1659, performing with other pre-Commonwealth actors in an unlicensed troupe at the Red Bull playhouse. As the manager of the troupe, Mohun came to an agreement with the Master of the Revels to pay fees for the privilege of performing, and later, after a complex power struggle for the two company patents issued by Charles II at the Restoration of the monarchy, he became a full sharer in Thomas Killigrew's King's Company. Along with Charles Hart, the other leading male actor, Mohun was in a position of some authority, often signing official papers on behalf of the sharing actors. He remained a member of the King's Company until he left the stage on account of age and ill-health in the late 1670s.

Mohun regularly acted leading and major roles, mostly villains. His interpretations of Iago and of the title role in Ben Jonson's Volpone were famous, and he brought a sinister edge to the part of Pinchwife in William Wycherley's The Country Wife.

[edit] Sources

• Highfill, Philip Jr, Burnim, Kalman A., and Langhans, Edward (1973–93). Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers and Other Stage Personnel in London, 1660–1800. 16 volumes. Carbondale, Illinois: Southern Illinois University Press.