Bobby Connelly was an American child actor who is best known for his roles in “Sonny Jim,” “Humoresque,” and “An Easter Lily.” Born on April 4, 1909, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his film career at a very young age.
Personal and Family Life
Bobby Connelly was the son of vaudeville performers, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Connelly. He had a sister named Helen, who also acted as a child. Bobby showed his talent early on, entering films at just three years old. He was considered one of the highest-paid child actors of his time, sometimes leading his own vaudeville company.
Illness and Death
Bobby’s health declined in 1922 after he suffered from bronchitis, complicated by an enlarged heart. He fell ill for three months before passing away on July 5, 1922, at his family home in Lynbrook, Long Island. His funeral was held at St. Raymond’s Roman Catholic Church and was reported in local media.
Death and Legacy
Despite his short life, Bobby Connelly left a mark on early cinema as a beloved child star. His performances in numerous silent films remain a part of film history. His family background in entertainment and his own achievements are remembered fondly by those who study early Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| An Easter Lily | 1914-04-09 | Sonny Jim |
| The Meeting | 1917-02-20 | |
| Sonny Jim and the Amusement Company, Ltd. | 1915-09-12 | Sonny Jim |
| A Child for Sale | 1920-04-01 | Walter Stoddard |
| Humoresque | 1920-05-29 | Leon Kantor (child) |
| The Greatest Love | 1920-12-01 | Child |
| The Flapper | 1920-05-10 | King Jr. |
| The Law Decides | 1916-05-01 | Bobby Wharton |
| The Writing on the Wall | 1916-02-14 | Harry Lawrence |
| Salvation Joan | 1916-04-09 | Bobby Ellison |
| The Road Through the Dark | 1918-11-01 | Georges |
| The Unpardonable Sin | 1919-04-01 | Boy Scout |
| An Officer and a Gentleman | 1914-03-14 | Jack Smedley – the Sergeant’s Son |
| Sonny Jim at the North Pole | 1914-04-20 | Sonny Jim |
| The Little Captain | 1914-07-16 | Sonny Jim |
| The Suspect | 1916-05-22 | Jack |
| The Third Party | 1915-10-14 | Bobby Williams |
| Womanhood, the Glory of the Nation | 1917-04-09 | Little Boy |
| A Prince in a Pawnshop | 1916-10-16 | |
| A Case of Eugenics | 1915-10-29 | The borrowed offspring |
| The Old Oaken Bucket | 1921-11-01 | The boy |