JANAUSCHEK, FANNY

(1830-1904)

Although Czech by birth (née Francesca Romana Magdalena Janauschek in Prague), Fanny Januaschek first acted in the United States in German (as Medea in 1867) and was afterward often mistakenly thought to be German. As an internationally lauded tragedienne in the grand manner, she impressed American audiences favorably enough that she decided to learn English and develop an American stage career. Despite a foreign accent and short stature, Janauschek was admired for her interpretation of the title roles inMary StuartandDeborah. Her eruptions of temperament may have hampered her ability to attract goodsupportingplayers, and by the turn of the century her style was regarded as old-fashioned.