Harry Siegenberg

Harry Siegenberg (b. London, 31/12/1867 - d. Johannesburg, 27/01/1931) was a bookmaker, victualler and once-off actor.

Biography

Harry (Henry) Siegenberg, popularly known as Ropey, came to South Africa in 1898 where he married fellow-Londoner Hannah Mendoza in 1896. Together with Angel Cohen, he became a well-known bookmaker in Johannesburg and appeared as one in Joseph Albrecht’s horse racing drama The Stolen Favourite (1919). At one stage he manged the Gladstone Hotel on the corner of Commissioner and Von Wielligh Streets, which was frequented by visiting theatre groups. In 1912 he became a part owner of the Frascati Bar & Restaurant in Market Street, which also attracted many entertainers. In 1919 his son, Moss Siegenberg, appeared in Palace, Bedroom and Bath with Edith Cartwright, Cecil Kellaway, Elise Hamilton, Hilda Attenboro, Florence Roberts and Harcourt Collett at His Majesty's Theatre. Moss’s older brother, Morris, was a talented violinist. As Maurice Sterndale he performed in theatres throughout the world and at one stage was a member of Harry Roy’s orchestra. Their father had a tragic end when, because of financial troubles, he committed suicide by taking poison at his club, informing one of the other members that he had done so. (FO)