John Dillon

Who was John Dillon?

John Dillon was an American comedian based in Chicago and popular in the central part of the United States in the late 19th century.

Dillon was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland on October 2, 1831, and came to the United States at age 17 in 1848. Making his way from New York City to Buffalo, and then to Chicago, he starting doing factory work. He later began playing small theater roles, debuting in Milwaukee in May 1854. He later went back in Chicago, where he joined the McVicker's Theatre company.

After a few years, Dillon went to New York and joined Laura Keene's company in 1862, and gained attention for his comedic skills. From 1864-66, he was the head comedian at Wood's Museum. He then moved back to Chicago, touring the West frequently and becoming a "household word." In 1875, he returned to New York to appear in A. Oakey Hall's play The Crucible. He continued to perform through the 1880s and 1890s.

Dillon died in Chicago on April 22, 1913.