Edwin F. Thorne

Edwin Frederick Thorne (1845 or 1849 – May 4, 1897) was a 19th-century American stage actor born in New York City into a prominent theatrical family. His father, Charles R. Thorne, worked as both an actor and theatre manager, and his mother, Ana Maria Mestayer, was a well-known actor and singer who came from her own acting family. All three of his siblings — Charles R. Thorne Jr., William Thorne, and Emily Thorne — also pursued careers on the stage.

Thorne made his first stage appearance in Leavenworth, Kansas, though a separate account places his debut at the old Winter Garden Theatre in New York under Jackson's management in 1859. Following that early period, he relocated to California, where he took on most of the available juvenile roles. He returned to New York in 1865 and subsequently spent time in Toronto, Canada, where he performed as leading man in several successful productions. He traveled to Australia on multiple occasions, most recently in 1889 for Henry Edwards, where he played to strong houses and favorable reviews. He was particularly recognized for his work in Shakespeare and romantic dramas.

Among his notable roles was an appearance in The Black Flag, a melodrama written by Henry Pettitt. Thorne also worked as a playwright, authoring The Crimes of Paris and writing and starring in the comedy Billiards, a production centered on cue sports. His Broadway credits include an appearance in Baby in 1877.

Thorne died in New York City on May 4, 1897, following a prolonged illness. Actor Louis Aldrich delivered remarks at his funeral.