Portrayed by Bruce Robinson

Flambouyant, larger than life, Hercules was George Washington’s talented chef in Mount Vernon, New York and in Philadelphia. Considered a wonderful culinary artist, as gifted as any chef in the colonies, Hercules was a popular and prominent figure inside and outside of the Washington household. Because of his special talents, this slave was afforded many privileges, such as keeping the profits from the sale of left-over food, being able to walk around freely with his gold-handled cane, and the opportunity to dress extravagantly for his station. Hercules worked the system, doing what he had to do, playing a role, succeeding in living life as much on his own terms as possible. And then he left the Washingtons, never to be found. He had been the master of the kitchen, but now he was his own master.

Bruce Robinson’s Hercules is a colorful storyteller exemplifying innate human dignity. Robinson’s culinary background, his theatre experience and his strong connection with children make him a natural to portray Hercules for audiences of all ages. The chef, sometimes ridiculed as being a dandy, never seems a stereotype. Instead, Robinson’s Hercules knows who he is and what he’s worth, cutting quite the imposing, compelling figure. And he’s fun. As Hercules, Robinson takes the audience through a day in his kitchen, sharing the tasks and the triumphs experienced by this proud, skillful man.

Invite Hercules to your event:
• Educational Programs: Hercules – General of George Washington’s Kitchen for Schools, Libraries, Museums and Historic Sites
• Pair with Oney Judge, George Washington, Martha Washington
• Bruce Robinson: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, or Impersonator