Augustus Carney was an Irish-born American actor known for his roles in silent comedies such as Alkali Ike Plays the Devil, Hank and Lank: Joyriding, and Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy. He gained fame in the early 1900s and was active until his disappearance from the screen in the 1910s.
Personal and Family Life
Augustus Carney was born in 1870 in the UK. He had a successful career in vaudeville before transitioning to film. Little is known about his personal life and family, as he preferred to keep that part of his life private.
Career Highlights
Gus, as he was nicknamed, was a prominent figure in silent comedy, especially in short films. He started at Essanay Studios in 1910, starring alongside Victor Potel in the Hank and Lank series. His character Alkali Ike became popular through a series of comedies, leading to high wage demands that his studios could not meet, which affected his career in the film industry.
Death and Legacy
Augustus Carney passed away in 1920. His contributions to silent film comedy, particularly his character Alkali Ike, left a mark on the genre. Despite his eventual disappearance from the screen, he is remembered for his comedic talent and the influence he had on early filmmaking.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Broncho Billy and the Schoolmistress | 1912-02-02 | Alkali Ike |
| The Laird of McGillicuddy | 1913-01-23 | Skinny the Milkman |
| The Loafer | 1912-01-20 | |
| Martyrs of the Alamo | 1915-11-20 | Old Soldier |
| The Failure | 1915-05-27 | |
| Broncho Billy’s Christmas Dinner | 1911-12-23 | |
| Broncho Billy’s Adventure | 1911-12-30 | Dr. A Carney |
| Billy McGrath on Broadway | 1913-03-04 | Janitor |
| Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy | 1912-03-26 | Alkali Ike |
| Alkali Ike’s Auto | 1911-05-19 | Alkali Ike |
| The Tomboy on Bar Z | 1912-10-21 | Storekeeper |
| Alkali Ike and the Wildman | 1913-10-18 | Alkali Ike |