Brown, Jessica (c. 1900–?)

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Brown, Jessica (c. 1900–?)

American theatrical dancer. Name variations: Countess of Northesk; Lady Northesk; Jessica Ruth Brown; Jessica Ruth Reinhard; Jessica Cornelius. Born Jessica Ruth Brown, c. 1900, in Buffalo, NY; dau. of F.A. Brown; m. Cyril de Witt Reinhard (naval contractor and electrical engineer), 1918 (div. 1922); m. David Ludovic George Hopetoun Carnegie (1901–1963), 11th earl of Northesk, July 19, 1923 (div. 1928); m. Vivian Cornelius of Windlesham, Surrey, Dec 18, 1928.

Known for her wide-ranging dance abilities, which included social dance, tap, and high kicks, 1st appeared in the chorus of Ned Wayburn's Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic of 1918; performed in numerous shows in New York City, including Gloriana (1918), The Cohan Revue of 1918, Come Along (1919), A Lonely Romeo (1919), Cinderella on Broadway (1920), Midnight Rounders of 1921, and 2 editions of the Ziegfeld Follies (1921–22); retired to marry the earl of Northesk; though the marriage failed, did not resume career.

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