Asta Nielsen (1881 - 1972) is certainly not the only woman to have played Hamlet. There is a long tradition of women playing Hamlet. Although Sarah Bernhardt is perhaps the most famous in England and the United States, she is merely one among many. See below for just a few of the women who played Hamlet through the years.

 

 

 

Bernhardt, Sarah (1844 -1923)
 
  

Crampton, Charlotte

Dickinson, Anna (1842 -1932)

Howard, Clare

Kalisch, Bertha

Marriott, Alice

Montague, Winetta

Murray, Alma

Pomeroy, Louise

Seaman, Julia

Steer, Janette