tragedian

noun

Etymology: From Middle English tragedyen, from Old French tragediane (French tragédien), equivalent to tragedy + -ian.

1. An actor who specializes in tragic roles.

   “Euen thoſe you were wont to take such delight in the Tragedians of the City.”

   “And as for the separation scene from the child, while Becky was reciting it, Emmy retired altogether behind her pocket-handkerchief, so that the consummate little tragedian must have been charmed to see the effect which her performance produced on her audience.”

2. A playwright who writes tragedies.