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Lang, Alexander Matheson
Alexander Matheson Lang, expatriate actor-manager, dramatist (b at Montréal 15 May 1879; d at Barbados 11 Apr 1948). A tall, good-looking, classical actor he was renowned for his tours of Commonwealth countries. He began professionally at Wolverhampton, UK, in 1897 with Louis Calvert, followed by extended engagements with Frank Benson's Company and, after 1915, with his own. He had successes as Romeo, Benedick (opposite Ellen Terry), Orsino, Othello, Hamlet, Petruchio and Shylock, at the Old Vic. In 1913 he created the Chinese character Mr Wu, with which he was always associated. He first toured to America 1902-03 with Lillie Langtry and subsequently toured to the West Indies, Australia, South Africa, India, the Far East and Canada (in 1926-27). His autobiography, Mr. Wu Looks Back, was published in 1941.
