George Beban was an American actor known for his roles in “The Italian,” “The Marcellini Millions,” and “Hearts of Men.” A prominent figure in silent films, Beban was also a singer and a vaudevillian.
Personal and Family Life
Beban was born on December 13, 1873, in San Francisco, California. He was one of four sons in a family with a Dalmatian immigrant father and an Irish mother. He married Edith MacBride, a fellow actress, and they had one son together, George Beban Jr. Tragically, Edith passed away in 1926, deeply impacting Beban’s life.
Career
George Beban began his career as a singer and vaudeville performer, gaining recognition as “The Boy Baritone.” He made his film debut in 1915 and aimed to change the portrayal of Italian immigrants in cinema. He directed and wrote many of his later films, although few of them remain today.
Death and Legacy
On October 5, 1928, Beban died in Los Angeles from injuries sustained in a horse riding accident, alongside complications from uremic poisoning. He is remembered for his contributions to early cinema and is survived by his son, George Beban Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Italian | 1915-01-01 | Pietro “Beppo” Donnetti |
| The Marcellini Millions | 1917-05-14 | Guido Bartelli |
| Hearts of Men | 1919-04-27 | Nicolo Rosetti |
| One More American | 1918-02-25 | Luigi Riccardo |
| Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10) | 1942-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Bond Between | 1917-04-02 | Pierre Duvl |
| The Alien | 1915-07-01 | Pietro Massena |