Harold Lloyd was an American actor best known for his silent film comedies, including Safety Last!, Speedy, and The Freshman.
Personal and Family Life
Harold Clayton Lloyd was born on April 20, 1893, in Burchard, Nebraska. He had a tumultuous childhood, as his parents, Elisabeth and J. Darcie Lloyd, divorced when he was young. Harold was very close to his father, which influenced his upbringing. He married Mildred Davis in 1923, and they had three children: Harold Jr., Gloria, and Peggy.
Career Highlights
Harold Lloyd started his career in vaudeville and transitioned to film in the early 1910s. He became famous for his “glasses” character, a determined young man who faced numerous comedic challenges. Lloyd’s films featured dangerous stunts, a trademark that captivated audiences. His career peaked in the 1920s with hits like Speedy and The Freshman, establishing him as one of the biggest stars of his era.
Death and Legacy
Harold Lloyd passed away on March 8, 1971, from prostate cancer at the age of 77. Despite his declining career during the late sound era, he left a significant legacy in silent film. His films are still celebrated for their innovation in comedy and filmmaking, and he is remembered for owning most of his works, ensuring their place in cinema history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Last! | 1923-04-01 | The Boy – Harold |
| Speedy | 1928-04-07 | Harold ‘Speedy’ Swift |
| Grandma’s Boy | 1922-09-03 | Grandma’s Boy |
| The Sin of Harold Diddlebock | 1947-04-04 | Harold Diddlebock |
| An Eastern Westerner | 1920-05-02 | The Boy |
| Girl Shy | 1924-04-20 | Harold Meadows |
| The Cat’s-Paw | 1934-08-07 | Ezekiel Cobb |
| Why Worry? | 1923-09-09 | Harold Van Pelham |
| The Milky Way | 1936-02-07 | Burleigh Sullivan |
| Hot Water | 1924-10-26 | Harold |
| Feet First | 1930-10-30 | Harold Horne |
| The Freshman | 1925-09-20 | The Freshman |
| For Heaven’s Sake | 1926-04-05 | The Uptown Boy |
| Dr. Jack | 1922-11-26 | Dr. ‘Jack’ Jackson |
| From Hand to Mouth | 1919-12-28 | The Boy |
| Never Weaken | 1921-10-22 | The Boy |