RHÉA, HORTENSE

(1844-1899)

Born Hortense Barbe-Loret in Brussels, Belgium, the French-speaking actress studied English intensively in London in order to have an American tour. Using the role of Beatrice inMuch Ado About Nothingas her text, she worked diligently until deemed ready for a public performance, which she gave on 2 June 1881 and which garnered her an invitation to tour America as a star. For 17 seasons, she continued her tours, keeping Beatrice as the centerpiece of herrepertoire, which expanded to include plays likeAdrienne Lecouvreur, The Lady of the Camelias, andJosephine, Empress of the French. Although she never attained a New York following or ever shone with the magnitude ofSarah Bernhardt, she was much loved in the American heartland where she was appreciated not only for her charm, modest demeanor, and kindness to members of her troupe, but also for the Paris wardrobe that embellished her productions. Midwesterners also seemed more indulgent toward her use of English, which never became fully intelligible. Notable among theleading menwhosupportedher on various tours wasWilliam S. Hart.