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) |