Maggie Mitchell was one of the the most famous actors in the 19th century. Her leading performances as Fanchon, French Spy, and Jane Eyre borught her fame, fortune, and the awe of thousands of audience members. She was beloved by President Abraham Lincoln and all of her fellow actors. In the early years of the Civil War she became close to John Wilkes Booth and the two were even rumored to be engaged for a time. After the Civil War, Maggie Mitchell cemented herself as a household name through her talent and respectability. She helped pave the way for other actresses in musicals and comedies.