Coy Watson was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Erskine Johnson’s Hollywood Reel,” “The Smart Set,” and “The One Woman Idea.” Born James Caughey Watson Jr. on November 16, 1912, in Los Angeles, California, he gained fame as a child actor in silent films.
Personal and Family Life
Coy was part of the Watson family, a well-known clan of child actors, which included his siblings Gloria, Vivian, Louise, Harry, Billy, Delmar, Garry, and Bobs Watson. He was married to Willie Watson and had two children. Interestingly, Coy and his brother Bobs were born on the same day, November 16, but 18 years apart.
Career Highlights
Coy earned the nickname “The Keystone Kid” after appearing in Mack Sennett’s “Keystone Cop” comedies as a baby and continued to work in film until he was 22. In 1939, he invented the Coy Watson Lite Beam Focuser, a device that helped photographers focus cameras accurately in the dark, marking a significant innovation in camera technology.
Death and Legacy
Coy Watson passed away on March 14, 2009, in Alpine, California, due to stomach cancer. He is remembered for his contributions to early cinema and for being a pioneer among child actors, influencing many who came after him.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Galloping Bungalows | 1924-11-02 | Newsboy |
| Black Oxfords | 1924-05-18 | Jack as a Boy |
| Hoboken to Hollywood | 1926-09-05 | Minor Role |
| The Smart Set | 1928-03-24 | Sammy |
| Schoolday Love | 1922-01-29 | |
| The Shamrock and the Rose | 1927-04-14 | Mickey Kelly |
| Stella Dallas | 1925-11-16 | Stella Dallas’ Little Brother |
| Buttons | 1927-12-24 | Brutus |
| The Show | 1922-03-19 | |
| While the Devil Laughs | 1921-02-13 | Gus Franklin |
| You Never Know | 1922-12-10 | Muggsy |
| Honeymoon Hardships | 1925-01-25 | Farmer’s Son |
| Wild Puppies | 1927-12-04 | |
| Bear Knees | 1928-08-05 | |
| The One Woman Idea | 1929-06-02 | Buttons |
| Blue Skies | 1929-03-16 | |
| Fatty’s Gift | 1914-08-24 | The Baby |
| Show People | 1928-11-20 | Messenger Boy (uncredited) |
| Restless Youth | 1928-11-30 | Office Boy |