J. Warren Kerrigan was an American actor known for his work in silent films, particularly for roles in movies like The Covered Wagon, Captain Blood, and The Bandit of Point Loma. He was born George Warren Kerrigan on July 25, 1879, in Louisville, Kentucky, and passed away on June 9, 1947, in Balboa Beach, California.
Personal and Family Life
Kerrigan had a close bond with his family, including his sister, actress Kathleen Kerrigan. He lived with his mother and his partner, James Vincent, in Hollywood during the 1920s. His strong commitment to his family and personal life choices, including his refusal to marry, shaped his later life and career decisions.
Career
Starting his career as a warehouse clerk, Kerrigan found his way into acting through vaudeville. After moving to film, he quickly gained fame with leading roles in major studios like Universal Pictures. Despite his success, a controversial remark about the draft during World War I affected his popularity, leading him to work less in the industry before eventually stepping away from acting while still at the top of his career.
Death and Legacy
J. Warren Kerrigan passed away due to pneumonia on June 9, 1947. His legacy includes being a popular silent film star who chose to leave the spotlight at the height of his fame. His commitment to fairness in his personal life and complex character choices are remembered in the history of early American cinema.
Arthur Wontner was an American actor best known for his roles in the films “Sherlock Holmes” series, “Genevieve,” and “The Life and Death of Colonel […]