Sarah Siddons (1755-1831) 'née' Kemble, was a Welsh actress best-known for acting in tragedies during the 18th century. She famously played the Shakespearean character, Lady Macbeth, in the play 'Macbeth'. She captivated many audiences when expressing Lady Macbeth's murderous passions.

Acting had only just become an acceptable profession for women, although Siddons's parents were not pleased with her choice of career. She had her first success as Belvidera in Thomas Otway's 'Venice Preserved' in 1774, then spent the next few years working at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Unfortunately, due to her inexperience, she was eventually asked to leave.

After touring with several companies, she returned to Drury Lane in 1782, where she took on the famous role of Lady Macbeth. Due to her success, she landed several more roles in William Shakespeare's plays, including Desdemona in 'Othello', Rosalind in 'As You Like It', Ophelia in 'Hamlet', and Volumnia in 'Coriolanus'. Her favourite Shakespearean role was as Queen Catherine in 'Henry VIII'.

By the 1780s, Siddons had established herself as a cultural star. She continued acting until the early 19th century when her physical health began to decline. Siddons temporarily came out of retirement for Princess Charlotte of Wales, who wanted to see her star as Lady Macbeth, but Siddons was visibly weaker than in her earlier days.

Siddon passed away in 1831 and was mourned by over 5000 people at her funeral.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org