ROBSON, ELEANOR

(1878-1979)

English-born Elise Robson came to the United States as a child with her mother, actress Madge Can-Cook. While her mother was playing in stock in San Francisco in 1897, Robson was called upon to replace a sick actress inDavid BelascoandHenry C. DeMille'sMen and Women. As Eleanor Robson, she continued to act in stock. Cast as Bonita in the Chicago premiere ofAugustusThomas'sArizona(1899), she repeated the role in the Broadway production. Her skill and beauty caught the eye of producerGeorge C. Tyler, who gave her aleadingrole inIn a Balcony(1900), after which he presented Robson inRomeo and Julietin 1903 and in her most memorable role, as the title character of the romanceMerely Mary Ann(1903 and 1907). She also starred inNurse Marjorie(1906),The Girl Who Has Everything(1906),Salomy Jane(1907), andThe Dawn of Tomorrow(1909). When she married the wealthy August Belmont III, she retired from the stage, continuing to support the arts through a long charitable involvement with the Metropolitan Opera. She also collaborated withHarriet Fordto write the successfulmelodramaIn the Next Room(1923).