His association with Mather lasted two years; after, with Booth dead, he returned to Modjeska, starring opposite her in her most famous roles.

In 1894, he produced and starred in Clyde Fitch's His Grace de Grammont; the same year, he performed in his brother's translation of Victor Hugo's Le roi s'amuse.

He excelled in Shakespearean roles, including Shylock, Hamlet, Richard III and Romeo, and his Colonel Phillipe Brideau in The Honor of the Family was considered one of the greatest comedic performances of the first quarter of the 20th century.

[citation needed] Skinner was a successful writer whose books included Footlights and Spotlights and Mad Folk of the Theatre.

Otis Skinner was portrayed onscreen by Charlie Ruggles in the film version of Cornelia's book Our Hearts Were Young and Gay.