Edith Ellis

Edith Ellis (June 1866 - December 27, 1960) (also known as Edith Ellis Baker) was an American actress, director, and playwright. She began her career as a child actress, and then began writing, directing, and producing. Ellis operated several theatres and touring companies throughout her lifetime. She is the author of over thirty-five plays. While not an outspoken feminist, Ellis’s work continuously focused on the issues of women. She also developed her own theory on directing, with a focus on the agency of the actor. Numerous times throughout her life, Ellis produced and directed her own writing. She died in 1960 after a lifelong career as a dramatist.