Richard Burbage portrayed parts.
Richard Burbage ( 6 January 1567 -- 12 March 1619 ) is considered the first great actor of English theatre . As many young actors of his time , he may have played the part of women in productions before taking any of the roles he is known for . He was probably acting with the Admiral 's Men in 1590 , with Lord Strange 's Men in 1592 , and with the Earl of Pembroke 's Men in 1593 ; but most famously he was the star of William Shakespeare 's theatre company , the Lord Chamberlain 's Men which became the King 's Men on the ascension of James I in 1603 . But he was in great demand and also appeared in the plays of many of the great contemporary writers , such as Ben Jonson ( the title role in Volpone , and Subtle in The Alchemist ) , John Marston ( The Malcontent ) , John Webster ( The Duchess of Malfi ) and Beaumont and Fletcher ( The Maid 's Tragedy ) . Burbage 's power and scope as an actor is revealed in the sheer size of the roles he played .