A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Yates, Mary
YATES, MARY,
A celebrated actress, whose maiden name was Graham, was born about 1737. She made her theatrical débût at Dublin, in 1752; but succeeded so ill, that Mr. Sheridan, the manager, was glad to dissolve her engagement by a present. Necessity urged her to another attempt; and in 1754, she appeared at Drury Lane, London, but was not very successful. On her marriage with Mr. Yates, under whose instruction her talents first developed themselves, Mr. Garrick received her again at Drury Lane, and she soon became the first tragic actress of the day. She also excelled in comedy. She was very attractive in her appearance. Mrs. Yates retired from the stage in 1785, and died in London in 1787.