George Beranger

George Beranger was an American actor known for his roles in The Birth of a Nation, So This Is Paris, and Nightmare Alley. He was born as George Augustus Beringer on March 27, 1893, in Sydney, Australia, and later became a significant figure in early cinema.

Personal and Family Life

George was the youngest of five sons born to Adam and Caroline Beringer. His mother tragically took her own life when he was just three years old, and shortly after, his father remarried, leading to the boys being forced out of their home when they turned fourteen. George pursued acting and attended the College of Elocution and Dramatic Art in Sydney before moving to the United States to chase his dreams.

Career Highlights

After arriving in the U.S., he worked under the name “Andre Beranger,” performing in silent films. He gained prominence with his role as Duke Cameron in Griffith’s famous film The Birth of a Nation in 1915. Throughout his career, Beranger became known for playing charming but unlucky lovers, and his comedic talents shone as he portrayed flamboyant characters in a variety of genres.

Death and Legacy

George Beranger passed away from natural causes on March 8, 1973, in Laguna Beach, California. His body was discovered several days later, surrounded by remnants of his past, including press cuttings and photographs that reflected his once-vibrant career. Although largely forgotten by the public, his contributions to early cinema and his distinctive roles remain a part of film history.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Birth of a Nation 1915-02-08 Wade Cameron
Broken Blossoms 1919-05-13 The Spying One
Road House 1948-09-22 Lefty
The Bat 1926-03-14 Gideon Bell
Miss Brewster’s Millions 1926-03-22 Mr. Brent
So This Is Paris 1926-07-31 M. Maurice Lalle
Nightmare Alley 1947-11-14 The Geek
Fig Leaves 1926-08-22 Josef André
Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages 1916-09-04 Second Priest of Bel (uncredited)
Colleen 1936-03-21 Jeweler (uncredited)