Frederic Sullivan (1837–1877)
This architect-turned-actor was the brother of Sir Arthur Sullivan.
Fred’s brother Sir Arthur Sullivan – of theatrical partnership Gilbert & Sullivan fame – is probably the most famous person not to be buried at Brompton!
Fred’s brother, the composer Arthur Sullivan, is celebrated for his theatrical partnership with dramatist William Gilbert. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
It was the operatic composer’s dying wish to be laid to rest in the cemetery, beside his older brother Fred and their parents. However, Queen Victoria insisted Arthur be buried in St Paul’s Cathedral.
A new inscription was added to the Sullivan family grave in 1989. (Credit: Greywolf)
Fred Sullivan had a notable career of his own, and is best remembered for his comic portrayal of the judge in Trial by Jury, by Gilbert & Sullivan. Fred and Arthur were born in London to Thomas and Mary Clementina ‘Clemmie’ Sullivan. Irish-born Thomas (1805-1866) was a military bandmaster, clarinettist and music teacher, whose musical career clearly inspired his sons, and Clemmie (1811-1882) was part Italian.
Fred in his popular, and often reprised, role as The Learned Judge in Trial by Jury. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Fred trained as an architectural draftsman but soon became interested in the theatre. He began as an amateur, then started appearing on the London stage, often in works by his brother. He set up his own provincial touring company, Sullivan’s Operetta Company, in 1871.
Fred played the Greek god Apollo (far left) in a performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Thespis in 1872. The ‘operatic extravaganza’ was the first collaboration between Arthur Sullivan and William Gilbert, and most of the music has since been lost. (Credit: Illustrated London News / Wikimedia Commons)
Fred was a popular and sought-after comic actor and singer, but struggled to perform regularly after he caught tuberculosis in 1876. He died the following year, aged just 39. Arthur was at Fred’s bedside as he lay dying, and composed the much-loved song The Lost Chord there, in his memory.
Fred had seven children with his wife Charlotte, who was pregnant with their eighth when he died. Arthur became guardian to the children on his brother’s death, and continued to be involved with and support them for the rest of their lives.
Arthur never married but had a long relationship with the US socialite, Fanny Ronalds (1839-1916), who is also buried in the cemetery. She lies beside her son-in-law, Irishman Thomas Ritchie, on the Central Avenue. (Credit: © National Portrait Gallery, London)
Further information
(Credit: Greywolf)
(Credit: Scott Hayes / Wikimedia Commons)
