This week, Sarah interviews Alexis Easley, Chair of English and Communications Studies, about the remarkable life of Fanny Kemble—a Victorian actress, author, abolitionist, and iconoclast.
Although largely forgotten today, Fanny Kemble was a groundbreaking figure who achieved international celebrity in both England and the United States, making her one of the first to gain such widespread recognition.
Dr. Easley draws a parallel between Kemble's ability to skillfully navigate and influence the media of her time and the way modern influencers build their careers on social media platforms today.
Thomas Sully's portraits of Fanny Kemble and Queen Victoria