Roscius

In society of Ancient Rome where actors were regarded as little better than criminals and lived on the edge of existence, Roscius managed to amass a large fortune and gain social recognition due to his exceptional talent.

Roscius was born as Quintus Roscius Gallus in a small village near Lanuvium (near Lanuvio), but little is known of his early and private life. Most likely he started acting as a young boy, and eventually built a career performing in comedies. Handsome and talented, he possessed everything necessary to achieve success in his profession. Allegedly, he even instructed his friend Cicero, a famous orator, in elocution. His widespread popularity prompted the dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla to elevate him in equestrian order. According to some sources, he was very well paid for his performances, and his annual income could be around 600,000 sesterces.

His career had to be long lasting as the authors mention the changes in his handsome look and development of the “squint”. It could be the reason why he introduced wearing masks in Roman comic theater in the manner of Greek actors.

His name survived and became an honorary epithet for any particularly successful actor. Eminent British actors such as Richard Burbage and David Garrick, were often referred to by the admiring epithet of “Roscius.”