Actor. He received fame as an English actor starting in the late 18th century. Born the son of a Welshman, on New Bond Street in London, he attended a school at Ambleside before returning to London. He was a postman as a young man. His acting debut was about 1760 at the Haymarket, as Cash in "Every Man in his Humour", which followed with the role of Matthew Mug in the "Mayor of Garret". After several small roles, he appeared at Covent Garden on September 26, 1763, as Bardolph in the "First Part of King Henry IV." Critics wrote that he was a good actor. At times, his credits listed his surname as "Lewis". He appeared in a host of roles while at Covent Garden including "Fag" in "The Rivals", which he "created," and "Sir Anthony Absolute" in the same comedy. Following a very successful career, he left Covent Garden in 1783 after a disagreement with the management. For four years , he had Shakespearian roles at the Drury Lane theater. In May of 1785, his last roles in London were Brush in the "Clandestine Marriage," and as Meadows in the "Deaf Lover". His career took a downhill turn after this. in 1787 he gave recitations, including Cowper's "John Gilpin" while in Edinburgh and managed a theater in 1792. After having difficulty in finding steady employment, he traveled to India with his family for work but failed to obtain the proper documentation to work in India. Upon his return, he did find work as a comedian and as a lecturer. While in Dublin in 1793, he was imprisoned for debt. While in prisoned he published pieces without any success, including the four-volume "Memoirs of Charles Lee Lewes", which was published posthumously in 1805 after being edited by his son. His memoirs documented in detail every performance he had during his career. For his memoirs historical value, which covered forty years, the text is part of the Royal Collection Trust. He was also the author of some poorly written dramatic sketches. He is credited with the lyrics of "The Wine Vault", which became a drinking song at the local pubs. Although an attempt to raise funds for his debts were made, he was found dead in his prison bed. He was married three times and had children. He died a widower as his last wife, actress Catharine Marie O'Neal, died in 1796, and his other two wives were Ann Hussey and Frances Wrigley. His illegitimate grandson was George Henry Lewes, a prolific author. Two portraits by Samuel De Wilde of Lewes as Bobadil are in the Garrick Club in London. He had an extensive library. According to the "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900", he was buried in Pentonville as a poor man.