English tragic actor. Kean's sensational stage celebrity was undermined by his ferocious temper and chronic drunkenness. Kean began his stage career under his mother's supervision while still a child. After quite a few years as a provincial actor, his career was launched in earnest in 1814 with his spellbinding and original portrayal of Shylock in the Drury Lane production of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Despite the unreliability that stemmed from his frequent intoxication, he enjoyed some years of success in fiery or villainous roles, but as his compulsions overtook him, his performances deteriorated. In 1833 he collapsed on stage while playing Othello and died a few weeks later.