Fred Church was an American actor best known for his roles in silent films, particularly Westerns such as “The Son-of-a-Gun,” “The Apache Kid’s Escape,” and “The Lost Express.” He made significant contributions to the early film industry from the 1910s until the mid-1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Fred Church was born on October 17, 1889, in Ontario, Iowa. He married Lillian Christy in December 1913, but little is known about their life together. After performing in various vaudeville shows and films, Church enjoyed a long retirement in Quartzite, Arizona, where he lived until his later years.
Career Highlights
Church began his acting career in vaudeville and transitioned to film, where he became famous for his Western roles. He teamed up with Gilbert M. ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson at Essanay Studios, appearing in many films that showcased his talent. As sound films became popular, he gradually stepped back from acting and ultimately retired by the 1930s.
Death and Legacy
Fred Church passed away on January 7, 1983, in Blythe, California, due to heart failure at the age of 93. He left behind a legacy as a prominent figure in silent Western films, contributing to the popularity of the genre during its peak. His work continues to be remembered by film historians and enthusiasts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Apache Kid’s Escape | 1930-11-22 | Ted Conway |
| The Son-of-a-Gun | 1919-02-02 | Buck Saunders |
| The Road to Paradise | 1915-12-06 | Undetermined Role |
| The Tomboy on Bar Z | 1912-10-21 | Sheriff |
| Broncho Billy’s Capture | 1913-06-06 | Juan Yukas |
| Broncho Billy’s Last Hold-Up | 1912-08-12 | The Doctor |
| The Lost Express | 1925-07-28 | Arthur Standish |
| The Prospector | 1912-12-12 | Jim Clayton |
| The Secret of the Swamp | 1916-07-31 | |
| The Girl of Lost Lake | 1916-08-28 | Dave Bean |
| The End of the Rainbow | 1916-10-30 | |
| It Happened in Honolulu | 1916-06-26 | Clarence Velie |
| Beans | 1918-09-16 | |
| Southern Justice | 1917-05-28 | Ray Preston |
| Madame du Barry | 1917-12-30 | Cossé-Brissac |
| A Romance of Billy Goat Hill | 1916-10-09 | |
| The Long Chance | 1915-11-01 | Oliver Corblay aka The Desert Rat |
| Why Broncho Billy Left Bear County | 1913-09-27 | The Sheriff |