1868, he was Salem Scudder in a revival of The Octoroon, and later, at the Strand, was the first Young Gosling in Fox versus Goose. On July 26, 1869, he was the first Babington Jones in John Brougham's Among the Breakers. At the same house he also played Toodles, Dr. Pangloss in The Heir at Law, and other parts. His success was so great that he remained in England for the rest of his life, except for four visits to America. Among his favorite parts were Timothy Toodle in William E. Burton's The Toodles, which ran for 200 nights at the Strand Theatre, and two roles from plays by George Colman "the Younger": Dr. Pangloss in The Heir at Law, and Dr. Ollapod in The Poor Gentleman. At the beginning of his career Clarke wished to play tragedy, but he later turned to comic roles. He managed several London theatres, including the Haymarket, where he preceded the Bancrofts. He retired in 1889. Death and legacy Clarke died suddenly, in London, at 66 years old, on September 24, 1899. Four days later, his remains were interred at Teddington Cemetery in what is now the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Among the mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Clement Scott, Charles Hawtrey, the staff of the Strand Theatre, and Clarke's two sons, Creston and Wilfred. Many beautiful wreaths were placed upon the coffin. He and his wife Asia had nine children. Their sons Creston and Wilfred went on to become actors. Bibliography Bell, Hamilton, "J.S. Clarke" in Matthews, Brander; Hutton, Lawrence. Actors and Actresses of Great Britain and the United States, Vol. II. (New York, 1886) Clapp, John Bouvd; Edgett, Edwin Francis. Players of the Present. New York: Dunlap Society, 1899. Notes and references Sources Winter, William, (1913). "John Sleeper Clarke" in The Wallet of Time. Volume One. New York: Moffat, Yard and Company. pp. 278–282. See also List of show business families 1833 births 1899 deaths 19th-century American male actors Comedians from Maryland American male comedians American male stage actors Booth family (theatre) Burials at Teddington Cemetery People from Baltimore 19th-century theatre managers 19th-century American comedians