Albert Austin was an American actor best known for his roles in movies such as “The Kid,” “City Lights,” and “The Gold Rush.” He was a British-born screen actor, director, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to early cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Albert Austin was born on December 13, 1882, in Birmingham, England. He married Laura Virginia Lane on September 8, 1912, and they remained together until his passing in 1953. Austin had a brother, William Austin, who also pursued a successful career as a character actor in Hollywood.
Career Overview
Austin began his film career in 1910 and became a well-known supporting actor, especially in films by Charles Chaplin. He also worked as an assistant director and co-writer for many of Chaplin’s projects. His on-screen presence waned with the advent of sound in films, although he had a rich legacy in silent cinema.
Death and Legacy
Albert Austin passed away on August 17, 1953, in North Hollywood, California. In his later years, he worked as a security guard at Warner Brothers after his acting career declined. His contributions to early film, especially his collaborations with Chaplin, are remembered, and he left a mark on the silent film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Kid | 1921-01-21 | Man in Shelter (uncredited) |
| The Rink | 1916-12-04 | The Cook |
| The Count | 1916-09-04 | Guest (uncredited) |
| The Pawnshop | 1916-10-02 | Clock Client |
| The Adventurer | 1917-10-22 | The Butler |
| The Immigrant | 1917-06-17 | A Diner / Immigrant |
| The Floorwalker | 1916-05-15 | Shop Assistant |
| One A.M. | 1916-08-07 | Le chauffeur de taxi |
| Pay Day | 1922-04-02 | Workman |
| Triple Trouble | 1918-08-11 | A Man |
| Shoulder Arms | 1918-10-20 | American Soldier / Clean Shaven German Soldier / Bearded German Soldier |
| The Fireman | 1916-06-12 | Fireman |
| The Professor | 1919-01-01 | Man in flophouse |
| Suds | 1920-01-27 | Horace Greensmith |
| Chaplin’s Goliath | 1996-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Easy Street | 1917-01-22 | Policeman / Preacher (uncredited) |
| The Cure | 1917-04-16 | Sanitarium Attendant |
| Behind the Screen | 1916-11-13 | Stagehand (uncredited) |
| The Vagabond | 1916-07-10 | Trombonist (uncredited) |
| City Lights | 1931-02-01 | Street Sweeper / Burglar (uncredited) |
| The Gold Rush | 1925-07-12 | Prospector (uncredited) |
| A Dog’s Life | 1918-04-14 | Thief (uncredited) |
| The Chaplin Revue | 1959-09-01 | Various (archive footage) |
| The Charlie Chaplin Festival | 1941-04-01 | Various Roles (archive footage) |
| Grief | 1921-05-01 | |
| The Circus | 1928-01-06 | Clown (uncredited) |
| The Bond | 1918-09-29 | Friend |
| Unknown Chaplin | 1983-01-05 | Self & In Out-Takes |