It wasn’t until 1662 that a woman played the role of Juliet.
A groundbreaking moment occurred in 1662, reshaping the dynamics of stage performances. Traditionally, all roles were exclusively portrayed by men until that pivotal year. Enter Mary Saunderson, a trailblazing actress who took on the iconic role of Juliet, marking a historic shift in theatrical history.
As immortalized in the film 'Shakespeare in Love,' the era before 1660 saw men donning all theatrical roles. However, Mary Saunderson's debut as Juliet in 1662 marked a transformative milestone, making her the first woman to embody this iconic character on stage.