Digby Bell

Digby Bell (born Digby Valentine Bell; November 8, 1849 – June 20, 1917) was a popular vaudeville entertainer and Broadway performer at the beginning of the 20th century.

Digby Bell
Bell c. 1906
Born
Digby Valentine Bell

(1849-11-08)November 8, 1849
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedJune 20, 1917(1917-06-20) (aged 67)
New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)Vaudeville entertainer and Broadway performer
Spouse(s)Lillian Brooks (divorced, 1883)
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(m. 1883; died 1904)​

Early life

Bell was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 8, 1849.[1]

Performing career
Bell featured on cabinet card, c. 1885

Bell studied in Europe to become a concert singer, and became famous for his roles in comic musical productions, such as Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas and with the McCaull Comic Opera Company. His first starring role was in the musical Jupiter in 1892. He appeared many times with Lillian Russell in shows such as Princess Nicotine, The Queen of Brilliants and The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein. He introduced the song '"The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo".

Bell gave a concert at Chickering Hall in New York City on April 26, 1878, that was favorably reviewed by the New York Times.[2]

Much of Bell's later career was in nonmusical plays or vaudeville.

Notable stage appearances

Broadway appearances[3]

  • The Begum, Sep 21, 1887 - Dec 10, 1887, role - Myhnt-Jhuleep
  • The Hoosier Doctor, Apr 18, 1898 - [unknown], role - Dr. Willow
  • Mr. Pickwick, Jan 19, 1903 - May 1903, role - Sam Weller
  • The Education of Mr. Pipp, Feb 20, 1905 - Apr 1905, role - J. Wesley Pipp
  • An International Marriage, Jan 4, 1909 - Jan 1909
  • The Debtors, Oct 12, 1909 - Oct 1909, role - William Dorritt
  • The Yeomen of the Guard, Apr 19, 1915 - May 8, 1915, role - Chorus
  • The Sorcerer, May 24, 1915 - Jun 5, 1915, role - Dr. Daly

Film appearances

Partial discography

1909[4]

  • The Tough Boy on the Right Field Fence
  • The Blind Boy in the Gallery
  • The Man Who Fanned Casey (A reply to 'Casey at the Bat'.)
  • Experiences of a Commuter
  • Day and Knight
  • A Discontented Egg

Personal life
Bell playing golf in Siasconset, Massachusetts, c. 1911

Bell was married at least twice. His first wife, Lillian Brooks, divorced him in March 1883. He married his second wife, Laura Joyce Bell (née Hannah Joyce Maskell), a day or so after his divorce from Brooks was finalized. Laura Joyce Bell died in New York in 1904.[1][5][6]

Bell was a fervent golfer and New York Giants baseball fan, as was his best friend and frequent co-star DeWolf Hopper.[1]

Death

Bell died on June 20, 1917, in New York City. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.[7]

Filmography

References
  1. "Digby Bell". IMDb. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  2. "Amusements. Mr. Digby Bell's concert" (PDF). The New York Times. 27 April 1878.
  3. "Digby Bell – Broadway Cast & Staff". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  4. "Digby Bell". Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  5. ^ Digby V. Bell again Married. The New York Times,’’ March 19, 1883, p. 14
  6. "Answers - The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions". Answers.com. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  7. Digby Bell at Find a Grave
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