Nellie McCoy

Nellie McCoy (July 12, 1883 – February 7, 1961) was an American vaudeville and theater actress from the 1890s through the 1910s. Born into a performing family, McCoy and her sister, Bessie McCoy, were engaged in circus and theater performances from a young age, though they had to travel throughout the country and eventually internationally due to harassment from the Gerry Society. After they started performing together as adults, it was suggested by Sam S. Shubert that they begin acting separately to build up their own individual notoriety.

McCoy's dancing and singing capabilities were frequently commented on by newspapers, though she received additional attention in two separate incidents where the stress of her performances led to mental breakdowns that resulted in hospitalization both times. She later went into vaudeville performances and became well known for her roles in plays such as The Earl and the Girl, The Silver Star, and The Enchantress.