- Bettys unique acting style was getting old fast
- Audience members wanted something new
- Williams competition despised him
- Although Williams Career never started back up after 1824 he began to participate in many charity events
- By doing so, William was giving back to the community that had once praised him
- "Master Betty, A Early 19th Century Teen Idol." Southern Folk Artist & Antiques Dealer/Collector. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://andrewhopkinsart.blogspot.com/2010/10/master-betty-early-19th-century-teen.html>.
- "William Henry West Betty (British Actor) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/63596/William-Henry-West-Betty>.
The Master Betty Phenomenon
- Born in Shrewsbur, England in 1791
- Betty's parents were fond of theatre
- William was constantly surrounded by performances of plays and poem recitals
Willam Bettys First Theatre Experience
- In 1802 William's father took him to his first play
- He saw "Pizarro"
- This inspired him to become an actor
Start of it All
First Performance
- William performed for a man named Mr.Atkins
- He was impressed by this young man's talent
- Mr.Atkins got his friend Mr.Hough to witness the talent of William Betty
- Mr.Houghs starting trianing Betty privately
- After training with Mr.Hough for a short time Betty landed his first part in Voltaire's "Zaire"
- William became an instant star as audience members adored him
Acting Career
- As William booked more and more parts his fan base quickly grew
- He was becoming one of the most popular actors of his time
- Royalty and other high-class citizens wanted to personally meet Betty
- Betty was making a rediculous amount of money at the time of his peak
- On average he made 8 times the average working man made in a week in one show
- He was taking parts many former stars would have gotten
Gradual Downfall
- William was getting less parts than ever at this point and was becoming depressed
- It brough him to the point where he attempted suicide
Revival
Bibliography