Nell Gwynn, (or Gwyn), lived in
England from 1650 to 1687. She was probably born in
London, although some accounts give her birthplace as
Hereford. She grew up serving drinks in a
brothel and also sold oranges at the King's Theater in
Drury Lane before graduating to a career in acting at age fourteen. She starred in several
Restoration comedies written by
playwrights such as
John Dryden. This was at a time when it was still unusual for female roles to actually be played by women.
Despite being nearly illiterate, she soon became the darling of London society, being described by the famous diarist Samuel Pepys variously as 'pretty, witty Nell' and a 'bold, merry slut'. Her ascendancy into society life led to an infamous affair with King Charles II, to whom she bore two sons.
The name 'Nell' was actually a stage name; her real name being Eleanor Gwyn.