Stephen Ewart

(b. Birmingham, 13/03/1869 – d. 1953). Actor. Though born in Birmingham, Stephen T. Ewart was of Scottish descent. While he studied law and practised as a barrister, an early interest in amateur theatre led him to a professional career on the stage, first with J.E. Vedrenne and notably with Sir George Alexander and then Sir Herbert Tree. He apparently made his first professional stage appearance in 1896 and subsequently spent many years touring with various repertory companies, appearing in such plays as The Eternal City and The Prisoner of Zenda. When, in 1911, Ethel Irving and the English Comedy Company left for a tour of Australia and New Zealand, Stephen Ewart was her leading man, appearing in His House In Order, The Witness For the Defence, Lady Frederick and Dame Nature in most of the major cities. He was highly regarded, with a local critic calling him “an actor of great intelligence and strength”.

The troupe returned to England in 1912, but in June 1914 he was Madge Fabian’s leading man for a tour of South Africa organised by the J.C. Williamson organisation. Staging over twenty productions, including Within the Law, The Land of Promise, The Whip, The Argyle Case and Bought and Paid For, the company achieved considerable success and Ewart stayed in South Africa for three years. During this time he also acted in his first film, making an appearance as General Pretorius in De Voortrekkers (Harold M. Shaw/1916) for African Film Productions. He resumed his theatrical career upon his return to England and also acted in a number of films, including three for Cecil Hepworth and six directed by and starring Henry Edwards, all of them co-starring Chrissie White. Writing in Curtain Up!, Olga Racster described him as “a finished and accomplished actor.” (FO)