William J Ashcroft 1846-1918
He was born at Pawntucket, Rhode
Island. He owned the Alhambra Theatre in Belfast. He had an enormous reputation
as a comic and entertainer and played in all the leading theatres to full
houses. He was a particular favourite in Dublin and was the Star’s leading artiste for over a decade. The song MacNamara’s Band was written for him. After
his marriage broke up, he attempted suicide and eventually went bankrupt. He was in
the asylum on several occasions but continued to appear on the stage for some
years yet. He died in Purdysburn Asylum. He is
buried in Belfast.
