Ira Frederick Aldridge (1807-1867): actor. Ira F. Aldridge was one of the first U.S. actors to achieve critical acclaim on European stages. He was the first black actor to perform major Shakepearean roles, including Shylock, MacBeth and often appearing in the title role of Othello. He performed extensively in Britain where he befriended Alexandre Dumas and became a British citizen in 1863. He died in Poland while on tour and was buried in Lodz, Poland. His grave is maintained by the Society of Polish Artists of Film and Theatre. Ira Aldridge and his wife Amanda Von Brandt had four chldren.