Von Essen, Siri (1850–1912)

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Von Essen, Siri (1850–1912)

Swedish actress and acting teacher. Name variations: Baroness Siri von Essen Wrangel; Siri von Essen Strindberg. Born Sigrid Sofia Mathilda Elisabet von Essen, Aug 17, 1850, in Finland; died April 21, 1912; m. Baron Carl Gustaf Wrangel (military officer), 1872 (div. 1876); became the 1st wife of August Strindberg (playwright; he later married Frida Uhl and Harriet Bosse), Dec 30, 1877 (div. 1891); children: (with Strindberg) Hans (b. 1884), Karin (b. 1880), Greta (b. 1881) and another daughter who died in infancy.

Made acting debut at the Royal Dramatic Theater (1877); created title role in Miss Julie (1889); later taught acting (one of her pupils was Martha Hedman). Strindberg wrote A Madman's Defence about his 1st marriage.

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