Herzfeld, Jacob

German actor and theatrical manager; born at Dessau Jan. 3, 1769; died at Hamburg Oct. 24, 1826. After studying medicine at Leipsic University he became an actor, making his début in Vienna. In 1791 he was engaged at the Hamburg theater under Schröder, whose assistant manager he became in 1798. In 1812 he was appointed manager of the Stadttheater, and retained the position till his death.

Although a well-known actor, Herzfeld's reputation rests on his managerial successes. An interesting reference to his correspondence with Goethe is found in H. Uhde's work, "Das Stadttheater in Hamburg, 1827-77." Herzfeld also corresponded with Schiller.

Herzfeld was married (1796) to the actress Karoline Amalie Stegmann (born at Königsberg 1766; died at Hamburg Sept. 20, 1812).

Bibliography:

  * Eisenberg, Biog. Lex.



S. A. Ph.