 He was seen talking to some of the patrons in the back of the theater. Can anyone tell me what Wilkes Booth's profession was? He was an actor, indeed, and this was the largest role he had ever played. This evening he was playing on a world stage. He was not about to hide anything he would do this evening. He sought to achieve his place in history. Shortly after 10, he climbed the spiral staircase, walked around the dress circle to a man sitting just outside the presidential door.