Colley Cibber

Colley Cibber (1671-1757) was an English actor, playwright, and Poet Laureate. Born in London, Cibber was the son of sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber. He began his career in the theater with the Drury Lane company in 1690, initially struggling to gain recognition as an actor. Over time, Cibber developed a reputation for his comedic roles and became a leading figure in the London stage. His adaptability and talent led to significant success, most notably with his performance in "Love’s Last Shift" (1696), a play he also authored.

Cibber’s prolific writing career included more than 25 plays, among which "The Careless Husband" (1704) and "She Wou’d and She Wou’d Not" (1702) stand out as significant contributions to Restoration comedy. In 1730, he was controversially appointed Poet Laureate, a position he held until his death, though his poetry was often criticized for its perceived lack of quality.

Despite the critiques, Cibber was successful and influential in the theatrical world, managing Drury Lane Theatre and shaping English theater during his tenure. His memoir, "Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber" (1740), offers a candid look at his life and the theater of his time. Cibber’s legacy is marked by his witty writing, managerial acumen, and the vibrant personality he brought to both his performances and his prose.