Thomas Meighan was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Miracle Man,” “Male and Female,” and “The Racket.” He was one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood during the silent film era.
Personal and Family Life
Born on April 9, 1879, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Thomas Meighan grew up in a family where his father was a company president. He initially studied medicine but switched to acting during college. He became a successful actor on Broadway and married fellow actress Frances Ring in 1909, and they had a happy life together without children.
Career Highlights
Meighan made his film debut in “The Fighting Hope” in 1915 and quickly became a favorite at Paramount Pictures, often working with director Cecil B. DeMille. His popularity peaked in the 1920s, and he starred alongside many of the era’s top actresses. Unfortunately, with the arrival of sound films, his career began to decline, leading to fewer roles and a shift to supporting parts.
Death and Legacy
Thomas Meighan passed away on July 8, 1936, from cancer in Great Neck, New York. Despite being a major star in his time, he is now largely forgotten. However, his name lives on through the Thomas Meighan Theatre in Florida, which honors his contributions to cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Racket | 1928-11-01 | Police Captain James McQuigg |
| Male and Female | 1919-11-23 | William Crichton, the butler |
| Why Change Your Wife? | 1920-05-21 | Robert Gordon |
| The Mating Call | 1928-07-21 | Leslie Hatten |
| The Canadian | 1926-11-27 | Frank Taylor |
| Peck’s Bad Boy | 1934-10-18 | Henry Peck |
| Manslaughter | 1922-09-24 | Daniel J. O’Bannon |
| Conrad in Quest of His Youth | 1920-11-06 | Conrad Warrener |
| The Miracle Man | 1919-08-26 | Tom Burke |
| Madison Square Garden | 1932-11-04 | Bill Carley |
| Out of the Darkness | 1915-09-08 | Harvey Brooks |