Devrient, Carl August

(1797-1872)

   Actor. After serving in the Napoleonic wars as a cavalry officer, Devrient used the influence of his uncle Ludwig Devrient to get an audition with August Ernst Klingemann in Braunschweig, where he made his debut. In 1821 he was engaged for heroic roles at the Dresden Court Theater, where he remained until 1835. In Hannover three years later, Devrient began to play character parts; his Lear and William Tell were especially praised. Ludwig Tieck found him effective in mature roles, having witnessed his earlier work. His career was unfortunately blemished by frequent quarrels with his brother Emil Devrient. Carl Devrient was also the brother of Eduard Devrient and was the father of Friedrich Devrient and Max Devrient.