George Berrell was an American actor known for his work in the 19th and early 20th Century stage as well as silent films. He appeared in many stage productions and starred in 55 films during his career from 1850 to 1927.
Personal and Family Life
George Berrell was born on December 16, 1849, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He came from a theatrical family, making his stage debut as an infant. At a young age, he helped support his widowed mother, who was an actress, by working as a stagehand. He later married Serena Tylor, although little is known about their life together.
Career
Beginning his career at a young age, Berrell performed in various stage plays before transitioning to silent films in the early 20th century. His journey included traveling across the country, working numerous odd jobs, and contributing to the growth of theater, especially in St. Louis. He is remembered for his roles in early films such as John Ford’s “Straight Shooting” and had a distinguished career despite never gaining widespread fame.
Death and Legacy
George Berrell passed away on April 20, 1933, in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy as an important figure in early American theater and film, influencing the growth of the performing arts. His life story, detailed in Wilson Roberts’ upcoming novel “Shadows and Acts,” continues to inspire interest in his contributions to the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Grub Stake | 1923-02-18 | Malamute Mike |
| Straight Shooting | 1917-08-27 | Sweet Water Sim |
| The Three Godfathers | 1916-06-18 | Tim Gibbons |
| Crimson Gold | 1923-06-30 | Jake Higgins |
| The Barbarian | 1921-04-29 | Elliott Straive |
| Pollyanna | 1920-01-18 | Old Tom |
| Where Are My Children? | 1916-04-16 | Judge (uncredited) |
| Bettina Loved a Soldier | 1916-08-14 | Abbé Constantin |
| The Flashlight | 1917-05-21 | Barclay (as George Burrell) |
| The People vs. John Doe | 1916-12-10 | Wealthy Farmer |
| Society Secrets | 1921-02-18 | Amos Kerran |
| Black Jack | 1927-09-25 | Judge |
| Hypocrites | 1915-01-20 | A Monk (uncredited) |
| The Long Chance | 1915-11-01 | Marie’s Father (as Mr. Berrill) |
| The Sea Beast | 1926-01-15 | Perth (as George Burrell) |
| The Trail Rider | 1925-02-22 | Uncle Boley |
| The Fire Eater | 1921-12-24 | Day McCarthy |
| The Everlasting Whisper | 1925-11-10 | Old Honeycutt |
| Hell-Roarin’ Reform | 1919-02-16 | Jenkins, Her Father |
| The Committee on Credentials | 1916-07-08 | Don Bleeker |
| Somebody Lied | 1917-04-05 | At Gambling House (uncredited) |
| The Golden Bullet | 1917-06-26 | Jack’s Father |
| The Wrong Man | 1917-07-07 | Ben Bostwick |
| The Girl from God’s Country | 1921-09-18 | Pierre Le Mort |
| The Lair of the Wolf | 1917-08-20 | Old Man Taylor |
| The U.P. Trail | 1920-11-01 | Slingerland |
| The Spanish Dancer | 1923-10-06 | Gypsy (uncredited) |