Maria Storer Henry

Maria Storer Henry (died April 25, 1795, in Philadelphia) was an American stage actress who performed with the Old American Company and appeared on Broadway in 1789, including in the play The Father.

Henry was the youngest of at least four Storer sisters who worked as actresses with the Old American Company. The eldest sister, Jane, died in a fire at sea near Jamaica. Jane had been married to actor and Old American Company manager John Henry, who died in 1794. The second Storer sister, Ann Nancy, became known professionally as Mrs. Hogg. Following Jane's death, Ann lived with John Henry and was credited in theatrical bills under his surname by 1768, though by 1775 the two had parted ways, with Ann departing for Dublin and Henry traveling to Jamaica. The third sister was Frances, known as Fanny. By 1788, Maria was likely John Henry's wife. The fourth sister, Frances, known as Fanny, also performed with the company.

Henry made her first stage appearances in children's parts during 1767 and 1768, eventually advancing to principal roles in both tragedy and comedy as her training and experience developed. Her ability to move between dramatic genres was notable for the era, as eighteenth-century actors commonly confined themselves to particular types of roles. She also performed singing parts and was recognized as a skilled singer. She was referred to as the first prima donna of the American stage and was considered among the leading performers of the colonial and early post-revolutionary American theater.

Her career was not without controversy. She was reported to have had conflicts with colleagues that drew public criticism, and she declined roles for which she felt no affinity, which at times generated negative audience reaction. Her alcoholism also caused disruptions during performances and attracted further criticism. Despite these difficulties, she maintained her standing as one of the prominent figures of the American stage until her retirement. In 1794, Henry and her husband withdrew from performing and settled at their home behind the theater in Philadelphia. She died there on April 25, 1795.