Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Richard Brinsley Sheridan, (c 1751-1816). Irish dramatist and parliamentarian, who lived mostly in Britain. In 1772 he eloped to France with Elizabeth Linley, the daughter of a concert promoter. Their parents forced them to return, and Sheridan fought two duels over the marriage. His first two plays, the social comedies The Rivals (1775) and The Duenna (1775), brought him fame. His other successful works include The School for Scandal (1777) and The Critic (1779). He became manager and part-owner of the Drury Lane theatre (from 1776) and was also a Whig MP (1780-1812). When Drury Lane burned down in 1809, Sheridan was ruined. He died in poverty.
