Show star with a rich family history
Carnegie descendant to play tycoon in musical
HE is known the world over as one of the most generous philanthropists in history, giving away 90 per cent of his fortune by the time of his death.
But a new musical celebrating the life of Scottish industrialist Andrew Carnegie paints the businessman in a new light – and his great-great-great-grandson will play the title role in the businessman’s home town.
Actor Joe Whiteman, descended from the magnate on his mother’s side, will take to the stage as his ancestor during two performances at Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall in May next year.
Carnegie: The Star Spangled Scotchman forms part of a year of events to mark the centenary of the magnate’s death in the US in 1919.
Carnegie, who left Scotland in 1848 to make his fortune, is said to have given $350million (£273million) to various charities, foundations and universities – almost 90 per cent of his wealth.
Speaking about his role, Whiteman, 28, from Perth, said: ‘There was a casting call looking for someone to play Carnegie. It came about just by chance.
‘I heard about the job from my fiancée’s mum, who didn’t know about the family connection. She had seen it on Facebook and suggested I go for it. I went along but warned them in advance that I was a relative. I got the job but it was very much a chance encounter.’
He added: ‘My mother was the daughter of Elizabeth Thomson, the eldest daughter of Louise Miller, who was in turn the eldest daughter of Margaret Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie’s only daughter.’
Born in Dunfermline in 1835, Carnegie emigrated destitute but went on to become one of the world’s richest men, making his fortune in iron and steel.
However, he was embroiled in controversy in 1892 when industrial action – known as the Homestead Strike – at one of his steel plants in Pittsburgh was brutally repressed, killing seven workers.
The musical tells the story of the last two hours of the millionaire’s life from the perspective of one of the killed steelworkers who returns from the afterlife to decide on Carnegie’s eternal fate.
The show’s writer and director Ian Hammond Brown said he hopes the production will also go to New York’s Carnegie Hall – built by the industrialist in 1891. As well as the concerts next year, there will be events marking the 100 years since Carnegie’s death.
The Carnegie UK Trust, established in 1913, has invested in libraries, public space, further education, social work, children’s rights and rural development and still hands out donations today.