Good Morning everyone, I recently found my long lost grandfather who had reputedly gone to Hollywood in the 1920's to make his fortune (heard that one before?) I'm afraid there was a little bit more to it than that because he left his wife and two children behind and that was the last they saw of him! I had totally lost him until by chance in my research I found a cousin in Michigan USA and 'uncle Will' had been a much loved member of their family. He had joined two of his brothers who had emigrated before WW1. He did become an actor and director and my wonderful family in the states have sent me photographs, press clippings and even his make up box. According to one press clipping he had an acting career in the UK before he left for the US but apart from one photograph in theatrical costume I have no proof of him being a professional actor.On birth & death certificates & the census, he is never quoted as being an actor. It states : "Foster Wilmot, for five years in National Shakespearian stock at The Old Vic Theatre in London, has become associated with the Detroit Playhouse in the capacity of production director, the opening performance of the "The Bride the Sun Shines On" scheduled Friday night. He received his early training in the Royal Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and later toured the provinces as a student player with Sir Frank Benson and Henry Broadrib Irving........ In 1920 Wilmot sailed for New York and came to Detroit by way of Toronto. He is well known in Detroit radio circles and is planning a book of his experiences in the Near East besides the weekly broadcast of his adventures over the air" I must admit to be rather sceptical on some of his claims, but I would love to be wrong! Can anyone help ? Anyone come across FOSTER WILMOT, or any suggestions on checking his story? Sorry this is so long but maybe I can offer something in return. My grandmother (Foster's mother-in-law) lived next to the old Grand Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne and she ran theatrical 'digs' (boarding house). I have recently been left a large collection of autographed theatrical photographs which were given to her by the acts who stayed with her. I will start putting the names of the acts on the list and I would be happy to send a copy of any photograph if it helps someone's research. Great list, keep up the good work. Barry Wilmot (Artistic Director - First Act Theatre. web site www.firstact.org.uk )

Hi Barry, Found quite a bit on a CHARLES H WILMOTT in "The melodies linger on" but nothing on a FOSTER WILMOT. I am researching my several times cousin BESSIE BELLWOOD. Carole. ----- Original Message ----- From: Barry Wilmot <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2001 5:32 AM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] Foster Wilmot > Good Morning everyone, > > I recently found my long lost grandfather who had reputedly gone to Hollywood in the 1920's to make his fortune (heard that one before?) I'm afraid there was a little bit more to it than that because he left his wife and two children behind and that was the last they saw of him! > I had totally lost him until by chance in my research I found a cousin in Michigan USA and 'uncle Will' had been a much loved member of their family. He had joined two of his brothers who had emigrated before WW1. > He did become an actor and director and my wonderful family in the states have sent me photographs, press clippings and even his make up box. > According to one press clipping he had an acting career in the UK before he left for the US but apart from one photograph in theatrical costume I have no proof of him being a professional actor.On birth & death certificates & the census, he is never quoted as being an actor. > It states : > "Foster Wilmot, for five years in National Shakespearian stock at The Old Vic Theatre in London, has become associated with the Detroit Playhouse in the capacity of production director, the opening performance of the "The Bride the Sun Shines On" scheduled Friday night. > He received his early training in the Royal Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and later toured the provinces as a student player with Sir Frank Benson and Henry Broadrib Irving........ > In 1920 Wilmot sailed for New York and came to Detroit by way of Toronto. He is well known in Detroit radio circles and is planning a book of his experiences in the Near East besides the weekly broadcast of his adventures over the air" > I must admit to be rather sceptical on some of his claims, but I would love to be wrong! > Can anyone help ? Anyone come across FOSTER WILMOT, or any suggestions on checking his story? > > Sorry this is so long but maybe I can offer something in return. > My grandmother (Foster's mother-in-law) lived next to the old Grand Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne and she ran theatrical 'digs' (boarding house). I have recently been left a large collection of autographed theatrical photographs which were given to her by the acts who stayed with her. I will start putting the names of the acts on the list and I would be happy to send a copy of any photograph if it helps someone's research. > > Great list, keep up the good work. > > Barry Wilmot > (Artistic Director - First Act Theatre. web site www.firstact.org.uk ) > > > ==== THEATRE-UK Mailing List ==== > Post your interests regularly - new subscribers are joining every day. > > ============================== > Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 > Source for Family History Online. Go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB >