Thomas Hilson (1784-July 23, 1834) was an American comedian and actor. Born in England with the surname Hill, he first appeared on stage in the United States in 1811 at the Park Theatre in New York playing Walter in ''The Children of the Wood''. He quickly became a popular performer at the Park, and pleased audiences in comedic roles ranging from Shakespeare to new productions such as '' Paul Pry'' (1825), though he also did well in non-comedic roles. He continued at the theater, with brief interruptions, until 1833.

Charles Francis Adams Sr. Charles Francis Adams Sr. (August 18, 1807 – November 21, 1886) was an American historical editor, writer, politician, and diplomat. As United States Minister to the United Kingdom during the American Civil War, Adams was crucial to Union effort ...

(son and grandson of the Adams' presidents) mentions, on July 5, 1826, attending the Park Theatre and seeing "Hilson in the amusing character of Paul Pry and enjoyed a very hearty laugh."Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
/ref> He married actress Ellen Augusta Johnson (1801-1837) in 1825. Sometimes they appeared on stage together. Hison died in

Louisville, Kentucky Louisville ( , , ) is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 28th most-populous city in the United States. Louisville is the historical seat and, since 2003, the nominal seat of Jefferson County, on the Indiana border ...

on July 23, 1834Fisher, James
Historical Dictionary of American Theater
p. 220 (2015)Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography Vol. 3
p. 210-11 (1888) of apoplexy. Upon his death he was said to be "long known in various parts of the United States as one of the best Comedians of the day."(4 August 1834)
Died
''Alexandria Gazette'' According to an 1837 profile of Park Theatre manager Edmund Simpson, Simpson had connections with Hilson back to when both were in theatre in England. After Hilson's widow died, Simpson adopted their young daughter Maria.Lampert, Sara E
Starring Women: Celebrity, Patriarchy, and American Theater, 1790-1850
p. 346 (2020)

References

1784 births 1834 deaths 19th-century American male actors American male stage actors British emigrants to the United States {{US-stage-actor-stub