Gerald Ames was an American actor best known for his roles in silent films like “Arsène Lupin,” “The Loves of Mary, Queen of Scots,” and “Helen of Four Gates.” Born Percy Gerald Ames on September 12, 1881, in Blackheath, Kent, England, he became notable for his strong screen presence and varied character portrayals.
Personal and Family Life
Gerald Ames was married to actress Mary Dibley. He received his education at Freiburg University in Germany. Ames had a striking appearance, standing six feet tall with a strong athletic build. He started his career in acting on stage in 1905 before transitioning to film in 1914, showcasing his dual talent as a performer and a fencing champion.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Gerald Ames appeared in around seventy films, often directed by early cinema pioneers such as George Loane Tucker and Cecil M. Hepworth. He became well-known for his portrayal of heroic and aristocratic figures, but he also depicted darker characters like spies and enemy officers. His performances of characters like Rupert Von Hetzau, Arsène Lupin, and Raffles left a mark in silent film history.
Death and Legacy
Gerald Ames passed away on July 2, 1933, in London, England, after an accidental fall. He was only 51 years old at the time of his death. Despite his significant contributions to early cinema, he has largely been forgotten over the years, though he was a prominent figure in the silent film era.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Helen of Four Gates | 1920-09-01 | Hinson |
| Anna the Adventuress | 1920-02-01 | Nigel Ennison |
| Aylwin | 1920-07-01 | Wilderspin |
| Love in a Wood | 1915-01-10 | Orlando |
| Comradeship | 1919-01-24 | John Armstrong |
| Masks and Faces | 1917-03-01 | Fencing Master |
| Sons of Satan | 1915-06-01 | |
| The Loves of Mary, Queen of Scots | 1924-02-04 | Bothwell |
| Me and Me Moke | 1916-02-01 | |
| Arsène Lupin | 1916-06-01 | Arsène Lupin |
| Adam Bede | 1918-04-01 | Arthur Donnithorne |
| Broken in the Wars | 1919-01-01 | Lord Howard |
| Tansy | 1921-09-01 | Clem Fordrough |
| The Little People | 1927-05-14 | Walery |
| La maison dans la forêt | 1922-10-20 | |
| The Shulamite | 1916-08-28 | |
| A Royal Divorce | 1923-01-01 | Marques de Beaumont |
| Red Pottage | 1918-06-01 | Hugh Scarlett |
| A Light Woman | 1928-01-01 | Don Andrea |
| The Rising Generation | 1928-11-01 | John Parmoor |
| The King’s Highway | 1927-10-01 | Lord Mauleverer |