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Born in Boston, MA
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Debut on stage
In “The Hunter of the Alps” at a benefit for Charles Kean in the Tremont Theatre, Boston. For a while after, filled other parts for youth. -
Traveled with a Theatre Company
Until 1848, traveled with a company on his mother’s side of the family which pulled in small audiences and allotted him small parts due to the low value his relatives saw in him. Comedic roles were given to his brother James, who was much preferred by the family. -
National Theatre
Came to New York and worked as a comedian at the National Theatre. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Played two low comedy roles (Gumption Cute and Deacon Perry) in the debut of George Aiken’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. Other members of his family (sister and niece) played Topsy and Eva St. Clair. -
Civil War
Served as Lieutenant in Eighth Regiment and was at first Bull Run, but escaped to Washington unwounded. -
Returned to New York with his regiment
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Visited the New Bowery Theatre
Visited the New Bowery Theatre which he was supposed to conduct, but business was not good and so he retired from it, going instead to the Old Bowery and opposing his friend who had purchased the New Bowery. Lawsuit ensued for several years. -
Olympic Theatre
Began at Olympic Theatre as SM and actor, and played Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. -
First Wife Dies
Fox waits only 3 weeks before remarrying to a dancer at the Olympic Theatre ballet. -
Humpty Dumpty
Debuted role as Clown in “Humpty Dumpty” at Olympic Theatre, over the years made a fortune doing so. This musical comedy show was the longest running to its date, and incredibly popular with audiences both young and old. -
Humpty Dumpty re-Opens
Fox receives a glowing review in the NYT. -
Illness
Severed good business relations, fell ill and was briefly paralyzed in the face, later was struck in the face during a performance straining his optic nerve. -
Booth Theatre Fiasco
Summer of 1875 he was set to perform at Booth's Theatre for the Fall and Winter, but was ill both physically and mentally due to his facial paralysis and the blow to his face taken the year previous. Neverthless, in October he did indeed perform at Booth's Theatre. -
McLain Asylum
Eventually (at an undetermined point, probably in early 1876) he was committed to McLain Asylum in Cambridge MA, and was released only because he did not improve and needed first-class physicians, under whom he did improve. -
"took a freak"
“He took a freak” and stayed with his mother and sister in Cambridge. Friends (including his wife) did not speak with him. -
Struck by second round of paralysis
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Death
Dies in Boston, MA with some immediate family members, and notably without his wife, who had not spoken to him or seen him since January.