Lenny Henry pays tribute to pioneering black actor Ira Aldridge

Sir Lenny Henry has described a pioneering black actor who paved the way for others in the 19th Century as a “great man”.

Ira Aldridge was a ground-breaking American actor who made his career on the international stage, primarily as a result of his roles in Shakespeare.

But because of attitudes towards his race at the time, he found it difficult to break through in London’s West End and performed in Brighton and other regional theatres to great acclaim instead.

Recording for BBC’s Secret Sussex series, Sir Lenny said: “His legacy is pretty solid and he needs to be revered more.”

Henry added: “He was unique. He was the first black Othello.

“It’s only recently that black actors like Adrian Lester and myself have been able to play this role.

“He was a great man.”

Ira Aldridge came to Britain from America in 1825.

Adrian Lester went on to play him in Red Velvet, a theatrical production based on the African-American’s life.

He said: “Ira came to Britain thinking it would be easier to pursue acting as his passion.

“He toured extensively, going to Brighton and all over, and got himself a good reputation.”

Dr Hannah Coleman Manktelow, an expert in Shakespearean performance history, said: “He found favour and was a big star in the provinces and in theatres like the Theatre Royal in Brighton.

“Audiences in towns like Brighton were more open-minded than in London and were welcoming to a black performer.”

Aldridge eventually played Othello in London in 1833 – a ground-breaking moment.

But his performance was lambasted by critics and ended after just two appearances.

He continued to tour to great acclaim.

Hazel Waters, author of Racism on the Victorian Stage, said: “His performances were always wildly applauded.

“He was very enthusiastically received by audiences.”

Aldridge died in 1867 aged 59 while on tour in Poland, where he was given a state funeral.

In 1932, he was honoured with a bronze plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon – the only actor of African descent to receive that recognition.