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Lincoln's Killer: Worcester Actor's Dark Secret
15 Mar
Summary
- John Wilkes Booth performed in Worcester 18 months before Lincoln's assassination.
- The actor portrayed Richard III at the Old Worcester Theater.
- Worcester Common Fitness now stands where the theater once was.
Long before he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth was a charismatic actor who performed in Worcester, Massachusetts. In October 1863, Booth starred as Richard III at the Old Worcester Theater on Front Street for two nights. Critics praised his performance, noting the role suited his "dashing, impulsive style." This Worcester appearance occurred just 18 months before he tragically shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., on April 14, 1865.
The Old Worcester Theater is now demolished, with Worcester Common Fitness standing near its former location. Booth, born into a prominent acting family, began his career at 17. He performed across the East Coast, becoming a well-known figure. His life took a dark turn in 1864 when he became involved in a plot against Lincoln, eventually leading to the assassination.
Booth's brother, Edwin Booth, was also a highly successful actor. On the night of Lincoln's assassination, Edwin was performing in Boston, unaware of his brother's actions. Following the assassination, Edwin Booth expressed how many people frequented his shows due to curiosity about his brother's crime.
John Wilkes Booth was captured 12 days after the assassination in Virginia. Edwin Booth continued his acting career, never publicly discussing his brother's crime, and later founded The Players club in New York City. Junius Booth Jr., another brother, became a hotelier and staged theatrical performances in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
