Nell de Silva was an English actress who is best known for her roles in “A Tale of Two Cities” and “The Only Way.” Born Angelita Helena Margarita de Silva Ferro on August 28, 1869, in Chile, she made a significant mark in the theatre world alongside her husband, Sir John Martin-Harvey.
Personal and Family Life
Nell de Silva married actor John Martin Harvey in 1889, and together they had two children, who also pursued careers in acting: Muriel Martin-Harvey and Michael Martin Harvey. The family enjoyed a prominent position in British theatre during their time, with Nell nurturing her children’s artistic talents.
Career Journey
Nell began her career in theatre after moving to England from Chile and became a close friend of Lewis Carroll as a child. She and her husband created their own adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “A Tale of Two Cities,” leading to the production of “The Only Way,” which established them as notable figures in theatre, even as they faced challenges with changing tastes among audiences.
Death and Legacy
Nell de Silva passed away on March 29, 1949, in Surrey, England, just a few years after the death of her husband in 1944. Their contributions to theatre and advocacy for nurses during World War I left a lasting impact, and they are remembered as a celebrated couple in the history of British theatre.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | A Cigarette-Maker’s Romance | Viera |