Ford Sterling was an American actor who is best known for Good and Naughty, The Trouble with Wives, and He Who Gets Slapped. Born George Ford Stich on November 3, 1883, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, he became famous for his roles in silent films and comedies.
Personal and Family Life
Sterling was married to Teddy Sampson from 1914 until his death in 1939. He was known to have run away from home as a boy to join a circus. Despite his comedic on-screen persona, he was considered handsome in real life but often disguised his appearance with glasses and a goatee in films.
Death and Legacy
Ford Sterling passed away on October 13, 1939, from a heart attack in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy as the Chief of the original Keystone Kops and was affectionately called “the funniest man in movies” by Harold Lloyd. His contributions to the early days of film comedy are still remembered today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Between Showers | 1914-02-28 | Mr. Snookie, a Thief |
| Alice in Wonderland | 1933-12-18 | White King |
| He Who Gets Slapped | 1924-12-22 | Tricaud |
| Good and Naughty | 1926-06-07 | Bunny West |
| The Trouble with Wives | 1925 | N/A |
| Sally | 1930-01-12 | ‘Pops’ Shendorff |
| Stage Struck | 1925-11-16 | Buck |
| Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | 1928-01-22 | Gus Eisman |
| The Gusher | 1913-12-14 | Oil Well Buyer |
| Cohen Saves the Flag | 1913-11-26 | Sgt. Cohen |