Ira Frederick Aldridge (1807-1867) was an American-born British actor, playwright, and theatre manager.

Aldridge, who was well known for his portrayal of Shakespearean characters, was the first Black actor to play Othello in 1925 in the Shakepearean tragedy of the same name. He was eighteen at the time.

Aldridge was said to have overcome predujice to win over audiences through his character portrayals and would often address the audience on anti-slavery and pro-abolition matters at the end of his performances.

Aldridge is honored in a plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon.