Charles Warner

Charles Warner (born Charles John Lickfold, 10 October 1846 – 11 February 1909) was an English stage actor whose career of over forty years spanned the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Warner performed in a variety of styles, from Shakespeare's plays to comedies, but he was best known for his dramatic roles and the emotional intensity of his performances. His most famous character was the alcoholic 'Coupeau' in Charles Reade's melodrama Drink (based on Émile Zola's novel, L'Assommoir), a part that the actor performed many times during his career. Warner performed in the principal theatres in London during the period 1864 to 1887. He had a successful tour of Australia and New Zealand from December 1887 to June 1890, after which he returned to England. In 1906 Warner travelled to New York where he appeared on stage in several productions. In February 1909 he committed suicide in his Manhattan hotel room. Biography Early years Charles John Lickfold was born on 10 October 1846 in the central London district of Kensington, the third child of James Lickfold and Hannah (née Holland). His father worked as a straw-hat maker and seller. Lickfold was educated at Westbury College in the north London suburb of Highgate.