(1835-1913)
The eminent actor was born in Long Sault Rapids, Canada, and made his stage debut at Detroit's Metropolitan Opera House. His long career encompassed engagements with Charlotte Cushman, Edwin Booth, and many others. His own version of Rip Van Winkle was a mainstay of his career for 23 years and rivaled that of Joseph Jefferson III. His son, also named Robert McWade (1872-1939), enjoyed a substantial Broadway career during the 1910s and 1920s.
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.