Fanny Elizabeth Vining was born in London July 6, 1829, into a large theatrical family.

She starred opposite Gustavus Vaughan Brooke, with her father in the role of Mercutio.

She went on to leading roles at London theatres with Charles Kean and William Macready.

[2]: 127–128 On January 8, 1849, Vining married American actor Edward Loomis Davenport, after they performed together in the play Love by James Sheridan Knowles.

She died July 20, 1891, aged 62, at her daughter Fanny's summer home in Canton, Pennsylvania, after suffering from cancer for a number of weeks.