Tyrone Power

Born near Kilmacthomas, County Waterford, in 1797, William Grattan Tyrone Power became one of the best-known Irish actors of his day. He joined traveling players when he was young, worked his way through small parts, and built a reputation on the stage through comic performances and Irish character roles.

His career expanded well beyond Ireland. He appeared in London, toured widely, and became especially popular in the United States, where audiences responded warmly to his energy and humor. He was also a writer and published Impressions of America, drawn from his travels there.

Power’s life ended tragically in 1841 when he was lost at sea while returning from America on the steamship President. He is also remembered as the first well-known figure in a long theatrical family line that later included the American actor Tyrone Power.