E. J. Lonnen

Edwin Jesse Lonnen, often known as E. Born in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, in 1860, J., often called 'Teddy', was a versatile entertainer who worked as an English actor, comedian, and singer. Coming from a family involved in the theatre, Edwin’s father, William Rooles Lonnen, managed performances while using the stage name Champion, and his brother, Victor, conducted orchestras professionally as Victor Champion. Edwin's career in acting commenced during childhood with roles in pantomimes and other theatrical shows across Britain’s provinces, and he frequently appeared in productions directed by his father. He made his London debut in 1885, portraying Tancred in Falka, marking a significant step in his career.

Lonnen established himself as a prominent figure in London's musical theatre scene, frequently performing at the Gaiety Theatre. From 1887 to 1891, he was in many Gaiety burlesques, and he was funny. Between 1892 and 1893, Edwin’s theatrical work took him overseas; he toured Australia with the London Gaiety Burlesque Company, performing in Melbourne and Sydney. Throughout his career, Lonnen starred in notable productions including Little Christopher Columbus (1893), Baron Golosh (1895), and The Messenger Boy (1900). He also gained popularity for singing 'Killaloe' in Miss Esmeralda in 1887, which was considered one of his most well-known songs.

He married Emily Inman and they had a daughter, Jessie Lonnen, who also pursued an acting career. Sadly, his son, Edwin John Leslie Lonnen, died in action during World War I in 1916. E. J. Lonnen passed away on October 31, 1901, at the age of 41, due to tuberculosis.