[2] He was born in New York but at an early age he was taken to his parents' home in London where he was reared and educated.

[3] His mother was also an actress Susan Johnstone and his father was James William Wallack a theatre producer.

[1] He made his American debut there in 1847, under the name of John Lester, appearing as Sir Charles Coldstream in Boucicault's adaptation of Used Up.

His first appearance at the Bowery Theatre was in 1849 as Don Caesar de Bazan by Adolphe d'Ennery and Philippe Dumanoir.

His greatest successes were as Charles Surface, as Benedick, and especially as Elliot Grey in his own play Rosedale, and similar light comedy and romantic parts, for which his fascinating manners and handsome person well fitted him.