English writers sometimes used the forms "actoress" or "actoresse" to refer to a female appearing on stage.In the 19th century, many people viewed women in acting negatively, as actresses were often courtesans; females on stage had become associated with promiscuity. Despite such prejudices, the 19th century also saw early female stage "stars", most notably Sarah Bernhardt.

After 1660, when women first started to appear on stage regularly in England, the terms