Something about John Wilkes Booth you may not know...

[Jim Garrett]

That's a great piece of information. JWB has been portrayed clearly as not as talented as his brother, Edwin. Both had advantages and dis-advantages over one another.

ADAVANTAGES: Edwin, working as his father's dresser, was able to watch and learn from the greatest actor of the day. One can almost picture Junius discussing certain techniques as he would perpare for his performances. Edwin got the theatre education of a lifetime. Mary Ann Booth gave JWB his father's wardrobe and grease paints. JWB also had "the looks". As Harry Ford stated, "He was the handsomest man in America". No one has ever beenable to capture the persona of JWB in any portrayal of him.

DIS-ADVANTAGES: Edwin inherited his father's adiction issues and moodiness. He certainly suffered from depression. JWB was probably very ADHD. JWB good looks and reputation as a Booth may have also been a dis-advantage. He had to live up to the ghost of his father, and the ever present shadow of his brother.

The question is, if the charts were different, would we remember JWB as the greatest actor of the 1800s? I think what Bill has pointed out shows JWB's insight and innovation. Thanks Bill.