The Rise And Fall Of Elsie Leslie, The First Child Star In American History
Towards the end of the 19th century a little girl became a megastar because of her work on the stage, but it was not a career that was to last
Child stars are a phenomenon of American culture. Talented children in the realm of acting and music can skyrocket to national prominence — sometimes going on to prolonged success, and in some cases flaming out in sad and spectacular fashion. The first child star in the history of the United States goes all the way back to the latter part of the 19th century when an actress named Elsie Leslie captivated the nation.
Born Elsie Leslie Lyde in 1881, Leslie was on the stage almost as soon as she could walk. In 1884, she assumed her first role in a production of Rip Van Winkle, after being discovered in Detroit, Shortly thereafter, she blossomed into a true star, buoyed by well-received turns in Editha’s Burglar in 1887 at New York’s Lyceum Theatre, and Little Lord Fauntleroy in 1888. Another smash hit was when she made waves leading a production of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper. In her youth, she played both male and female roles.
Leslie’s talent combined with her age helped propel her to instant fame. As a precocious…
