John Mills (c.1670–1736) was a British

stage actor An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television. The analogous Greek term is (), lite ...

. A long-standing part of the

Drury Lane Drury Lane is a street on the eastern boundary of the Covent Garden area of London, running between Aldwych and High Holborn. The northern part is in the borough of Camden and the southern part in the City of Westminster. Notable landmarks ...

company from 1695 until his death, he appeared in both

comedies Comedy is a genre of fiction that consists of discourses or works intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio, books, or any other entertainment medium. The term origin ...

and

tragedies Tragedy (from the grc-gre, τραγῳδία, ''tragōidia'', ''tragōidia'') is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a main character. Traditionally, the intention of tragedy ...

. His wife Margaret Mills was an actress, and his son William Mills also became an actor at Drury Lane. He was a friend of the playwright

Richard Steele Sir Richard Steele (bap. 12 March 1672 – 1 September 1729) was an Anglo-Irish writer, playwright, and politician, remembered as co-founder, with his friend Joseph Addison, of the magazine ''The Spectator''. Early life Steele was born in Du ...

and

Robert Wilks Robert Wilks (''c.'' 1665 – 27 September 1732) was a British actor and theatrical manager who was one of the leading managers of Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in its heyday of the 1710s. He was, with Colley Cibber and Thomas Doggett, one of th ...

the lead actor and manager at Drury Lane with whom he frequently appeared on stage. He died on 17 December 1736, thirteen days after performing in his final role as the King in '' Henry IV, Part 2''.Highfill, Burnim & Langhans p.249

Selected roles

* Pedro in '' Agnes de Castro'' by Catherine Trotter (1695) * Castillio in ''

Neglected Virtue ''Neglected Virtue'' is a 1696 tragedy by the Irish writer Charles Hopkins.Watson p.765 It is also known by the longer title ''Neglected Virtue; or, The Unhappy Conquerour''. The original Drury Lane cast included George Powell as Phraates, Hild ...

'' by Charles Hopkins (1696) * Pisano in ''

The Unhappy Kindness ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' by

Thomas Scott Thomas Scott may refer to: Australia * Thomas Hobbes Scott (1783–1860), Anglican clergyman and first Archdeacon of New South Wales * Thomas Scott (Australian politician) (1865–1946), member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly * Thomas Sco ...

(1696) * Lovewell in ''

Love and a Bottle ''Love and a Bottle'' is a 1698 comedy play by the Irish writer George Farquhar.Earnshaw p.136 Written shortly after Farquhar, an Irish Protestant originally from Derry, moved to London its central character is an Irishman Roebuck who has fled ...

'' by

George Farquhar George Farquhar (1677The explanation for the dual birth year appears in Louis A. Strauss, ed., A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar' (Boston: D.C. Heath & Co., 1914), p. v. Strauss notes ...

(1698) * Colonel Darange in '' The Campaigners'' by

Thomas D'Urfey Thomas d'Urfey (a.k.a. Tom Durfey; 165326 February 1723) was an English writer and wit. He wrote plays, songs, jokes, and poems. He was an important innovator and contributor in the evolution of the ballad opera. Life D'Urfey was born in Devonsh ...

(1698) * Vizard in ''

The Constant Couple ''The Constant Couple'' is a 1699 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar. It is part of the Restoration comedy tradition, and is often described as a sentimental comedy. It marked the first major success of Farquhar's career. A series of comic ...

'' by

(1699) * Don Duart in ''

Love Makes a Man ''Love Makes A Man; Or, The Fop's Fortune is a 1700 comedy play by the English writer Colley Cibber. It borrows elements from two Jacobean plays '' The Elder Brother'' and ''The Custom of the Country'' by John Fletcher. It was originally stage ...

'' by

Colley Cibber Colley Cibber (6 November 1671 – 11 December 1757) was an English actor-manager, playwright and Poet Laureate. His colourful memoir ''Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber'' (1740) describes his life in a personal, anecdotal and even rambling ...

(1700) * Charles VIII in ''

The Unhappy Penitent ''The Unhappy Penitent'' is a 1701 tragedy by the English writer Catharine Trotter Cockburn, Catherine Trotter.Nicoll p.361 It is set at the French court of the late fifteenth century where Charles VIII of France, Charles VIII plans to break his ...

'' by Catharine Trotter (1701) * Colonel Standard in ''

Sir Harry Wildair ''Sir Harry Wildair'' is a 1701 comic play by the Irish writer George Farquhar. It is a sequel to the 1699 hit ''The Constant Couple'', portraying the further adventures of the most popular character from the earlier play. The original Drury Lan ...

'' by

(1701) * Rodomond in ''

The Generous Conqueror ''The Generous Conqueror'' is a 1701 tragedy by the English writer Bevil Higgons. It was published in January the following year, and is sometimes dated 1702 by this. Higgons was a well-known Jacobite who had been implicated in the 1696 Jacobi ...

'' by

Bevil Higgons Bevil Higgons (1670–1735) was an English historian and poet, He was born at Kezo. Life Higgons was the third son of Sir Thomas Higgons, by his second wife, Bridget, who was herself the daughter of Sir Bevil Grenville, and widow of Sir Simon Lea ...

(1701) * Menelaus in ''

The Virgin Prophetess ''The Virgin Prophetess, or The Fate of Troy'' is a 1701 tragedy by Elkanah Settle featuring music by Gottfried Finger. It is a semi-opera with masque-like elements breaking up the scenes. The original cast included John Mills as Menelaus, Phili ...

'' by

Elkanah Settle Elkanah Settle (1 February 1648 – 12 February 1724) was an English poet and playwright. Biography He was born at Dunstable, and entered Trinity College, Oxford, in 1666, but left without taking a degree. His first tragedy, '' Cambyses, King ...

(1701) * Colonel Philip in '' The Bath'' by

Thomas d'Urfey Thomas d'Urfey (a.k.a. Tom Durfey; 165326 February 1723) was an English writer and wit. He wrote plays, songs, jokes, and poems. He was an important innovator and contributor in the evolution of the ballad opera. Life D'Urfey was born in Devonsh ...

(1701) * Don Guzman in ''

The False Friend ''The False Friend'' is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by Harry Davenport and starring Robert Warwick, Gail Kane and Jack Drumier.Parish p.157 Cast * Robert Warwick as William Ramsdell * Gail Kane as Virginia Farrell * Jack Drumie ...

'' by

John Vanbrugh Sir John Vanbrugh (; 24 January 1664 (baptised) – 26 March 1726) was an English architect, dramatist and herald, perhaps best known as the designer of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. He wrote two argumentative and outspoken Restora ...

(1702) * Johnson in ''

All for the Better ''All for the Better'' is a 1702 comedy play by the English writer Francis Manning. The original Drury Lane cast included Thomas Simpson as Mendez, Robert Wilks as Woodvil, John Mills as Johnson, Charles Fairbank as Young Mendez, John Bickerstaf ...

'' by Francis Manning (1702) * Trueman in ''

The Twin Rivals ''The Twin Rivals'' is a 1702 comedy play by the Irish writer George Farquhar. It was one of the author's least successful plays.Bond & Sherburn p.777 A younger son schemes to cheat his elder brother out of the family estate. The original Drury L ...

'' by

(1702) * Queenlove in '' The Old Mode and the New'' by

(1703) * Lovemore in '' The Lying Lover'' by

(1703) * Sir Charles in '' The Fair Example'' by

Richard Estcourt Richard Estcourt (1668–1712) was an English actor, who began by playing comedy parts in Dublin. His first London appearance was in 1704 as Dominick, in Dryden's ''Spanish Friar'', and he continued to take important parts at Drury Lane, being t ...

(1703) * Loveworth in ''

Tunbridge Walks ''Tunbridge Walks'' is a 1703 comedy play by the English writer Thomas Baker. It starred the droll actor William Pinkethman in a leading role. It is also known by the longer title ''Tunbridge Walks, or the Yeoman of Kent''. It was part of a gro ...

'' by Thomas Baker (1703) * Abdolin in ''

The Faithful Bride of Granada ''The Faithful Bride of Granada'' is a 1704 tragedy by the English writer William Taverner. It was the only tragedy by Tarverner, better known for his comedies.Nicoll p.79 The original cast included John Mills as Abdolin, Robert Wilks as Abinom ...

'' by William Taverner (1704) * Captain Smart in ''

Hampstead Heath Hampstead Heath (locally known simply as the Heath) is an ancient heath in London, spanning . This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate, which rests on a band o ...

'' by Thomas Baker (1705) * Seofrid in ''

The Royal Convert ''The Royal Convert'' is a 1707 tragedy by the British writer Nicholas Rowe (writer), Nicholas Rowe. The play is set in England during the Saxon era featuring two brothers in a love triangle with a young Christians, Christian woman. It was stage ...

'' by Nicholas Rowe (1707) * Sir Harry Sprightly in ''

The Fine Lady's Airs ''The Fine Lady's Airs'' is a 1708 comedy play by the British writer Thomas Baker.Nicolls p.297 The original Drury Lane cast included John Mills as Sir Harry Sprightly, Robert Wilks as Brigadier Blenheim, Colley Cibber as Nicknack, Benjamin Jo ...

'' by Thomas Baker (1708) * Oxartes in ''

The Persian Princess ''The Persian Princess'' is a 1708 tragedy by the British writer Lewis Theobald. It was performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. It is also written as ''The Persian Princess: or, The Royal Villain''. The play was not a great success and Theob ...

'' by

Lewis Theobald Lewis Theobald (baptised 2 April 1688 – 18 September 1744), English textual editor and author, was a landmark figure both in the history of Shakespearean editing and in literary satire. He was vital for the establishment of fair texts for Sha ...

(1708) * Charles in ''

The Busie Body ''The Busie Body'' is a Restoration comedy written by Susanna Centlivre and first performed at the Drury Lane Theatre in 1709. It focuses on the legalities of what constitutes a marriage, and how children might subvert parental power over whom ...

'' by

Susanna Centlivre Susanna Centlivre (c. 1669 (baptised) – 1 December 1723), born Susanna Freeman and also known professionally as Susanna Carroll, was an English poet, actress, and "the most successful female playwright of the eighteenth century". Centlivre's " ...

(1709) * Captain Constant in ''

The Man's Bewitched ''The Man's Bewitched'' is a 1709 comedy play by the British writer Susanna Centlivre. It is known by the longer title ''The Man's Bewitch'd; or, The Devil to do about Her''. The original Haymarket cast included John Bowman as Sir Jeffrey Cons ...

'' by

(1709) * Carlo in ''

The City Ramble ''The City Ramble'' is a 1711 comedy play by the British writer Elkanah Settle. It should not be confused with the 1715 play ''A City Ramble''. The original Drury Lane cast included Barton Booth as Rinaldo, Henry Norris as Count, John Mills as ...

'' by

(1711) * Boreal in ''

The Successful Pyrate ''The Successful Pyrate'' is a play by Charles Johnson, first performed 1712, published 1713, dealing with the life of the pirate Henry Avery. It opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 7 November 1712 and ran for five evenings. The original ...

'' by Charles Johnson (1712) * Sempronius in '' Cato'' by

Joseph Addison Joseph Addison (1 May 1672 – 17 June 1719) was an English essayist, poet, playwright and politician. He was the eldest son of The Reverend Lancelot Addison. His name is usually remembered alongside that of his long-standing friend Richard S ...

(1713) * Heartly in '' The Female Advocates'' by William Taverner (1713) * Friendly in '' The Apparition'' by Anoymous (1713) * Menelaus in '' The Victim'' by Charles Johnson (1714) * Bellmour in ''

Jane Shore Elizabeth "Jane" Shore (née Lambert) (c. 1445 – c. 1527) was one of the many mistresses of King Edward IV of England. She became the best-known to history through being later accused of conspiracy by the future King Richard III, and compelle ...

'' by Nicholas Rowe (1714) * Freehold in ''

The Country Lasses ''The Country Lasses: or, The Custom of the Manor'' is a 1715 comedy play by the British writer Charles Johnson. The original Drury Lane cast included Robert Wilks as Modely, Barton Booth as Heartwell, John Mills as Freehold, Benjamin Johnson ...

'' by Charles Johnson (1715) * Duke of Northumberland in ''

Lady Jane Grey Lady Jane Grey ( 1537 – 12 February 1554), later known as Lady Jane Dudley (after her marriage) and as the "Nine Days' Queen", was an English noblewoman who claimed the throne of England and Ireland from 10 July until 19 July 1553. Jane was ...

'' by Nicholas Rowe (1715) * King of Lombardy in ''

The Cruel Gift ''The Cruel Gift: A Tragedy'' is a tragedy (with an unusual happy ending) written by Susanna Centlivre, first performed at Drury Lane in 1716 (and published in 1717). Nicholas Rowe wrote the play's epilogue. The story of ''Ghismunda and Guisca ...

'' by

(1716) * Fantome in '' The Drummer'' by

(1716) * Colonel Woodvill in '' The Non-Juror'' by

(1717) * Arminius in ''

Lucius Lucius ( el, Λούκιος ''Loukios''; ett, Luvcie) is a male given name derived from ''Lucius'' (abbreviated ''L.''), one of the small group of common Latin forenames (''praenomina'') found in the culture of ancient Rome. Lucius derives from L ...

'' by

Delarivier Manley Delarivier "Delia" Manley (1663 or c. 1670 – 24 July 1724) was an English author, playwright, and political pamphleteer. Manley is sometimes referred to, with Aphra Behn and Eliza Haywood, as one of " the fair triumvirate of wit", which is a ...

(1717) * Acomat in ''

The Sultaness ''The Sultaness'' is a 1717 tragedy by the British writer Charles Johnson. It is a reworking of the 1672 French play '' Bajazet'' by Jean Racine set in the Ottoman Empire. In common with early eighteenth century plays it places much greater emph ...

'' by Charles Johnson (1717) * Sir Charles Winlove in '' Love in a Veil'' by Richard Savage (1718) * Ausidius in '' The Invader of His Country'' by

John Dennis John Dennis may refer to: *John Dennis (dramatist) (1658–1734), English dramatist * John Dennis (1771–1806), Maryland congressman *John Dennis (1807–1859), his son, Maryland congressman *John Stoughton Dennis (1820–1885), Canadian surveyor ...

(1719) * Leonidas in '' The Spartan Dame'' by

Thomas Southerne Thomas Southerne (12 February 166026 May 1746) was an Irish dramatist. Biography Thomas Southerne, born on 12 February 1660, in Oxmantown, near Dublin, was an Irish dramatist. He was the son of Francis Southerne (a Dublin brewer) and Margaret ...

(1719) * Nicanor in ''

Busiris, King of Egypt ''Busiris, King of Egypt'' is a 1719 tragedy by the British writer Edward Young. It is set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Busiris. It was considered a success, enjoying a good run and was subsequently published by Jacob Tonson. The work wa ...

'' by

Edward Young Edward Young (c. 3 July 1683 – 5 April 1765) was an English poet, best remembered for ''Night-Thoughts'', a series of philosophical writings in blank verse, reflecting his state of mind following several bereavements. It was one of the mos ...

(1719) * Caled in ''

The Siege of Damascus ''The Siege of Damascus'' is a 1720 tragedy by the British writer John Hughes. It was inspired by Simon Ockley's 1708 study '' Conquest of Syria'', and focuses specifically on the Siege of Damascus in 634. Originally staged at the Theatre Royal ...

'' by John Hughes (1720) * Zanga in '' The Revenge'' by

(1721) * Valens in '' The Briton'' by

Ambrose Philips Ambrose Philips (167418 June 1749) was an English poet and politician. He feuded with other poets of his time, resulting in Henry Carey bestowing the nickname " Namby-Pamby" upon him, which came to mean affected, weak, and maudlin speech or ver ...

(1722) * Ned Freeman in '' The Artifice'' by

(1722) * Sir John Bevil in ''

The Conscious Lovers ''The Conscious Lovers'' is a sentimental comedy written in five acts by the Irish author Richard Steele. ''The Conscious Lovers'' appeared on stage on 7 November 1722, at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and was an immediate success, with an initia ...

'' by

(1722) * Adam in ''

Love in a Forest ''Love in a Forest'' is a 1723 comedy play by Charles Johnson (writer), Charles Johnson. It is a substantial reworking of Shakespeare's ''As You Like It'' cutting out characters and passages, while borrowing from other Shakespeare plays amongst o ...

'' by Charles Johnson (1723) * Richard, Duke of York in ''

Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester Humphrey of Lancaster, Duke of Gloucester (3 October 139023 February 1447) was an English prince, soldier, and literary patron. He was (as he styled himself) "son, brother and uncle of kings", being the fourth and youngest son of Henry IV of E ...

'' by

(1723) * Zimon in ''

The Fatal Constancy ''The Fatal Constancy'' is a 1723 tragedy by the British writer Hildebrand Jacob.Black p.77 The original cast included Barton Booth as Omphales, John Mills (stage actor), John Mills as Zimon, Colley Cibber as Tryphon, Charles Williams (stage acto ...

'' by

Hildebrand Jacob Hildebrand Jacob (1692 or 1693–1739) was a British poet and playwright, whose major works include the epic poem ''Brutus the Trojan'' and the tragic verse drama ''The Fatal Constancy''. His collected works (entitled ''The Works of H. Jacob, Esqr. ...

(1723) * Hydarnes in '' The Captives'' by

John Gay John Gay (30 June 1685 – 4 December 1732) was an English poet and dramatist and member of the Scriblerus Club. He is best remembered for ''The Beggar's Opera'' (1728), a ballad opera. The characters, including Captain Macheath and Polly Peac ...

(1724) * Photinus in ''

Caesar in Egypt ''Caesar in Egypt'' is a 1724 tragedy by the British writer Colley Cibber. It is inspired by Pierre Corneille's 1642 French play ''The Death of Pompey'' about Julius Caesar's intervention in the Egyptian Civil War between Cleopatra and her brot ...

'' by

(1724) * Agamemnon in ''

Hecuba Hecuba (; also Hecabe; grc, Ἑκάβη, Hekábē, ) was a queen in Greek mythology, the wife of King Priam of Troy during the Trojan War. Description Hecuba was described by the chronicler Malalas in his account of the ''Chronography'' as "da ...

'' by Richard West (1726) * Sagely in '' The Rival Modes'' by

James Moore Smythe James Moore Smythe (; 1702 – 18 October 1734) was an English playwright and fop. Biography Smythe was appointed by the King to the Office of, Co-Paymaster of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. He was born James Moore. He was the son ...

(1727) * Manly in ''

The Provoked Husband ''The Provoked Husband'' is a 1728 comedy play by the British writer and actor Colley Cibber, based on a fragment of play written by John Vanbrugh. It is also known by the longer title ''The Provok'd Husband: or, a Journey to London''. Vanbrugh ...

'' by

(1728) * Wisemore in '' Love in Several Masques'' by

Henry Fielding Henry Fielding (22 April 1707 – 8 October 1754) was an English novelist, irony writer, and dramatist known for earthy humour and satire. His comic novel '' Tom Jones'' is still widely appreciated. He and Samuel Richardson are seen as founders ...

(1728) * Arcas in ''

Love in a Riddle ''Love in a Riddle'' is a 1729 ballad opera by the British actor-manager Colley Cibber. It was part of a boom in ballad operas inspired by the enormous success of John Gay's ''The Beggar's Opera'' the previous year. The original Drury Lane cast ...

'' by

(1729) * Colonel Truelove in '' The Humours of Oxford'' by James Miller (1730) * Creon in ''

Medea In Greek mythology, Medea (; grc, Μήδεια, ''Mēdeia'', perhaps implying "planner / schemer") is the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, a niece of Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. Medea figures in the myth of Jason an ...

'' by Charles Johnson (1730) * Timoleon in ''

Timoleon Timoleon (Ancient Greek language, Greek: wikt:Τιμολέων, Τιμολέων), son of Timodemus, of Ancient Corinth, Corinth (c. 411–337 BC) was a Greek statesman and general. As a brilliant general, a champion of Greece against Anci ...

'' by

Benjamin Martyn Benjamin Martyn (1698–1763) was an English writer and government official. He served as the only secretary for the Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in America from 1732 to 1752. He then served as the colony’s agent for th ...

(1730) * Syphax in ''

Sophonisba Sophonisba (in Punic, 𐤑𐤐𐤍𐤁𐤏𐤋 Ṣap̄anbaʿal) (fl. 203 BC) was a Carthaginian noblewoman who lived during the Second Punic War, and the daughter of Hasdrubal Gisco. She held influence over the Numidian political landscape, conv ...

'' by James Thomson (1730) * Periander in ''

Eurydice Eurydice (; Ancient Greek: Εὐρυδίκη 'wide justice') was a character in Greek mythology and the Auloniad wife of Orpheus, who tried to bring her back from the dead with his enchanting music. Etymology Several meanings for the name ...

'' by David Mallet (1731) * Claremont in '' The Modish Couple'' by James Miller (1732) * Meanwell in '' Caelia'' by Charles Johnson (1732) * Heartwell in '' The Mother-in-Law'' by James Miller (1735) * Junius Brutus in '' Junius Brutus'' by

William Duncombe William Duncombe (19 January 1690 – 26 February 1769) was a British author and playwright. Life Duncombe worked in the Navy Office from 1706 until 1725. That year, he and Elizabeth Hughes won a very large lottery sum on a joint ticket. He mar ...

(1734) * Freelove in ''

The Man of Taste ''The Man of Taste'' is a 1735 comedy play by the British writer James Miller.Gilman p.61 It was a success and was performed numerous times during the theatre season. It is also known by the longer title ''The Man Of Taste or, The Guardians''. ...

'' by James Miller (1735) * Aranthes in '' The Christian Hero'' by

George Lillo George Lillo (3 February 1691 – 4 September 1739) was an English playwright and tragedian. He was also a jeweller in London. He produced his first stage work, ''Silvia, or The Country Burial'', in 1730, and a year later his most famous play, ...

(1735)

References

Bibliography

* Highfill, Philip H, Burnim, Kalman A. & Langhans, Edward A. ''A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers, and Other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800: Garrick to Gyngell''. SIU Press, 1978. {{DEFAULTSORT:Mills (stage actor), John 17th-century English people 18th-century English people English male stage actors British male stage actors 17th-century English male actors 18th-century English male actors 18th-century British male actors Year of birth unknown 1736 deaths Year of birth uncertain