Maurice Costello was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Man Who Couldn’t Beat God, The Golden Pathway, and Iron and Steel. He was known for his charm and good looks, earning him the nickname “The Dimpled Darling.”
Personal and Family Life
Maurice Costello was born on February 22, 1877, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was married twice, first to Mae Costello, with whom he had two daughters, Dolores and Helene, and later to Ruth Reeves. He had a notable and complex relationship with his daughter Dolores, particularly regarding her marriage to John Barrymore, which he strongly opposed due to Barrymore’s history with women and drinking.
Death and Legacy
Maurice Costello passed away on October 28, 1950, in Hollywood, California, due to a heart ailment. He is remembered as the first actor to portray Sherlock Holmes, a character that has become iconic in film history. His legacy continues through his family, as he is the great-grandfather of actress Drew Barrymore.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 1909-12-25 | Lysander |
| A Tale of Two Cities | 1911-02-20 | Sydney Carton |
| Lady from Louisiana | 1941-04-22 | Edwards |
| The Wagon Show | 1928-02-19 | Colonel Beldan |
| Citizen Kane | 1941-04-17 | Extra (uncredited) |
| It’s a Wonderful World | 1939-05-19 | Guest (uncredited) |
| The Roaring Twenties | 1939-10-28 | Nightclub Patron (uncredited) |
| The Crimson Stain Mystery | 1916-08-21 | Harold Stanley |
| Mr. Smith Goes to Washington | 1939-10-19 | Diggs (uncredited) |
| Julius Caesar, an Historical Tragedy | 1908-12-01 | |
| Salome (The Dance of Seven Veils) | 1908-08-29 | King Herod |