anson was born in montrose in scotland; his father was actor john w. anson, whose early career was with theatrical companies of dundee, perth, montrose and inverness. his mother was the actress barbara johnson, the sister of samuel johnson who played the low-comedy roles in the henry irving company at the lyceum theatre, london. george anson first appeared on stage at the theatre royal, edinburgh in december 1865. during the next few years he gained a reputation as a character actor.