- Born
- Died
- Joseph Jefferson III, often known as Joe Jefferson, was an American actor. He was the third actor of this name in a family of actors and managers, and one of the most famous 19th century American comedians. Beginning as a young child, he continued as a performer for most of his 76 years. Jefferson was particularly well known for his adaptation and portrayal of Rip Van Winkle on the stage, reprising the role in several silent film adaptations. After 1865, he created no other major role and toured with this play for decades.
- IMDb mini biography by: Daniel R.
- SpousesSarah Warren(December 20, 1867 - April 23, 1905) (his death, 5 children)Margaret Clements Lockyer(May 19, 1850 - February 18, 1861) (her death, 5 children)
- Actor Tony Randall named his son after him.
- Believed to be the earliest-born actor to work in films.
- Father of actors William Jefferson,Thomas Jefferson and stage actor/manager Charles B. Jefferson. His daughter Margaret Jefferson married the novelist B.L. Farjeon and they begat the writer Joseph Jefferson Farjeon.
- Was the third in a line of stage actors called Joseph Jefferson, including his grandfather (1774-1832), and his father (1804-1842) who made more of a career out of scene painting.
- Both of his wives were stage actresses.
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