John Drew, Jr.

John Drew, Jr. (November 13, 1853 – July 9, 1927) was an American stage actor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whose Broadway career spanned from 1732 to 1927. He was the eldest son of John Drew, Sr. and Louisa Lane Drew, and the brother of Louisa Drew, Georgiana Drew, and Sidney Drew. Through his siblings, he became the uncle of John, Ethel, and Lionel Barrymore, and great-great-uncle to Drew Barrymore. His father, John Drew, Sr., had abandoned a career in whaling to pursue acting. Drew's own stage career became his primary focus from a young age, with his first role as a boy being "Plumper" in Cool as a Cucumber at the family's Arch Street Theater in Philadelphia.

Drew built his early professional reputation through his association with the company of Augustin Daly during the 1880s. Daly was known for managing and training performers with considerable discipline, and it was under his direction that Drew developed a versatility spanning Shakespearean comedy, society drama, and light comedies. His frequent leading lady during this period was Ada Rehan. Broadway credits from this era and beyond include The Recruiting Officer, the play King Henry IV, Part II, the play The School for Scandal, and the play Trelawny of the "Wells," among other productions.

A long and significant chapter of Drew's career unfolded through his association with producer Charles Frohman, with whom his leading lady was Maude Adams. His first production under Frohman was The Masked Ball, a comedy adapted from a French play, which served to firmly establish his stardom under that management. Drew was noted for roles in Shakespearean comedy, society drama, and light comedy throughout his career, and his acting ability was largely undisputed among his contemporaries.

His final Broadway appearance was in The Circle, which co-starred fellow veteran performer Mrs. Leslie Carter. The production was considered a successful return for both performers. The Circle was subsequently adapted into a silent film by MGM in 1925, directed by Frank Borzage. Drew published his memoirs, titled My Years on the Stage, in 1922. He was elected lifetime president of the New York City theatrical club The Players by his fellow actors.

Drew and his wife Josephine, née Baker, had one daughter, Louise Drew (1882–1954), who married Broadway actor Jack Devereaux. Their son was John Drew Devereaux. Drew died in San Francisco on July 9, 1927, shortly after being visited by his nephews John and Lionel Barrymore, who had interrupted their work in West Coast filmmaking to see him. Following cremation, his remains were returned to Philadelphia and interred at Mount Vernon Cemetery alongside his wife.