SCOTT, John Rudolph, actor, born in Philadelphia, 17 October, 1809; died there, 2 March, 1856. He made his debut at the New York Park theatre in the part of Malcolm in "Macbeth"; Thereafter, playing at various theatres, he gradually rose to distinction in leading tragic roles. As a robust actor he almost rivalled Edwin Forrest for a time, and contended with him for popularity. His representations of King Lear and Sir Giles Overreach were forcible and scholarly performances. In 1847 Scott went to England, playing at the Princess theatre in London for a short term, where he opened as Sir Giles Overreach. Some of the best London critics were delighted with his efforts, but the general public was not attracted. On his return to the United States he became a member of the New York Bowery theatre, and later joined the players at the Chatham street National theatre. Diverting his attention from study to rote performances of melodramatic and sensational parts, Scott soon became careless and neglectful, lapsing into the condition of a conventional performer. At the last his most successful roles were those of sailors and pirates; William, in the nautical play of "Black-Eyed Susan," was one of his favorite parts.