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Billy Bryant
Billy Bryant (1888-1968) was a notable American showboat entrepreneur of the early 1900s. He hired the showboat’s actors, directed the productions and played a part in every one. H...view moreBilly Bryant (1888-1968) was a notable American showboat entrepreneur of the early 1900s. He hired the showboat’s actors, directed the productions and played a part in every one. He carefully planned each season’s route, bought the supplies and handled the boat’s advertising and publicity.
He even piloted the towboat that pushed the showboat. When people called him “Captain Billy,” the title wasn’t honorary. He had studied the river and earned his pilot’s license.
On a stage equipped with oil-burning lights, Bryant and his family and crew put on such plays as Ten Nights in a Bar Room, Leana Rivers, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, The Tenderfoot, The Heart of Kentucky and East Lynne.
When radio and movies brought down the curtain on the showboat era, Bryant took his troupe into theaters, even performing on Broadway, and devoted his time to lecturing, writing and helping other show directors.
He died in January 1968 and lies buried in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where he had settled when his river days were over.view less