Fred Mace was an American actor best known for his roles in silent films such as “With a Kodak,” “A Dash Through the Clouds,” and “Neighbors.” He was also known for playing a prominent part in the comedic ensemble, the Keystone Kops.
Personal and Family Life
Fred Mace was born Frederick Mace on August 22, 1878, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was married to actress Josephine Gertrude Emily Johnson from 1915 until his death in 1917. His father, Elijah Augustus Mace, was a dentist, and his mother was Mary S. Sheridan.
Career
Mace began his career in showbiz working with Mack Sennett and later with other big names like Carl Laemmle and Thomas H. Ince. He gained fame as the Chief of the Keystone Kops but eventually left Sennett to start his own production company, although it was unsuccessful. After a series of failed ventures, Mace returned to Sennett but found fewer roles as his popularity declined.
Death and Legacy
Fred Mace passed away on February 21, 1917, in a hotel room in New York City, reportedly due to a stroke. His contributions to early cinema, particularly in comedy, left a mark in film history, even if his later years were less fruitful.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| With a Kodak | 1912-01-25 | Mr. Hobbs |
| A Dash Through the Clouds | 1912-06-24 | Chubby |
| Neighbors | 1912-06-12 | First French Family, the Husband |
| The Fickle Spaniard | 1912-05-01 | The Spaniard |
| A Spanish Dilemma | 1912-03-10 | Jose |
| Help! Help! | 1912-04-10 | Mr. Suburbanite |
| Mabel’s Stratagem | 1912-12-29 | Jones – Mabel’s Boss |
| Katchem Kate | 1912-06-12 | Detective Agency Head |
| The Baron | 1911-08-30 | Boarding House Dupe |
| A Voice from the Deep | 1912-03-21 | Harold |
| The Gangsters | 1913-05-29 | Gangster |
| Her Birthday Present | 1913-02-14 | Bandit |
| Bangville Police | 1913-04-24 | Sheriff of Bangville |
| Mabel at the Wheel | 1914-04-18 | Dubious Character (uncredited) |
| What Happened to Jones | 1915-03-22 | Jones |
| $500 Reward | 1911-08-21 | Dr. John Watson |