The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Jenyns, Essie

by Philip Mennell

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Jenyns, Essie, was born at Brisbane, Queensland. Her father was in the medical profession, but died when Miss Jenyns was but twelve years of age. Her mother married Mr. J. W. Holloway, the actor, and with Mr. Holloway's company Miss Jenyns began her dramatic career about ten years ago. She played a small engagement with Mr. George Rignold, in Melbourne, about eight years ago. It was not till 1886 that Miss Jenyns drew to herself the distinct attention of the public. With Mr. Holloway's company she played a Shakesperian season at the New Opera House in Sydney in the autumn of that year, and as Juliet and Rosalind won for herself a pronounced success. In 1889 she married Mr. John Woods, of Newcastle, N.S.W., and retired from the stage.