William Faversham

" That same year, he returned to Hollywood, appearing in a few films before retiring in 1937. He then entered the Percy C. Williams home, a retreat on Long Island for aged actors. Ironically, the home was not far from Faversham's former estate. Faversham insisted he work for his keep, so he tended a garden.

Faversham's final stage appearance was in 1934, as Jeeter Lester in "Tobacco Road.

" He founded a drama school in 1932, but it was short-lived.

In 1931 he joined the Chicago Civic Shakespeare Society, appearing in such plays as "Hamlet" and "The Merchant of Venice.

In 1929, he toured in Australia, appearing in several plays.

But in 1927, he filed for bankruptcy, and despite several attempts to recoup his previous fortunes, he never succeeded, although he did continue to work.

On July 20, 1925, Faversham married his third wife, Edith Campbell, at his estate in Huntington, Long Island.

" His status rose, and during 1905-1907, he toured the United States in "The Squaw Man," which earned him a small fortune. He later appeared in many Shakespearean productions, playing Romeo opposite Maude Adams as Juliet. He made a handful of silent films, but with the advent of younger actors, his status as a matinee idol slowly faded.

On August 19, 1901, he received star billing, playing Don Caesar in "A Royal Rival.

" In 1893, he joined Charles Frohman's Empire Theatre Company and remained with the group for eight years.

Two years later, he came to New York, making his American debut on January 17, 1887, in "Pen and Ink.

He made his stage debut on November 19, 1885, in a London vaudeville theater.

William Faversham was born in London on February 12, 1868. After attending Hill-Martin College, he served for a short time in a cavalry regiment in Warwickshire.