Wilbur Higby was an American actor who is best known for his roles in films like St. Louis Woman, True Heart Susie, and The Terror.
Personal and Family Life
Wilbur Higby was born on August 21, 1867, in Meridian, Mississippi. He was married to Carolyn Higby, and they had a daughter named Mary Jane Higby, who became a well-known radio actress. Before his acting career, Higby played professional baseball in Grand Rapids. He was involved in theater stock with notable actors before transitioning to the film industry.
Acting Career
Higby began acting in films in 1914 with Universal Studios and appeared in numerous films throughout the 1920s, often portraying the father of the leading lady. His collaborations included working alongside famous actors like Douglas Fairbanks and engaging with various directors. He continued to act consistently until his health declined.
Death and Legacy
Wilbur Higby passed away on December 1, 1934, in Hollywood, California, due to pneumonia complications. His contributions to early cinema, especially in the genre of silent films, are remembered today. His legacy also includes his daughter’s success in radio acting, reflecting his family’s artistic influence.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Woman | 1934-04-14 | Mr. Warren |
| Until They Get Me | 1917-12-02 | Draper |
| My Dad | 1922-07-23 | Barry O’Day |
| The Third Alarm | 1922-12-01 | Fire Chief Andrews |
| Confessions of a Queen | 1925-03-30 | Revolutionary Officer |
| True Heart Susie | 1919-06-01 | William’s Father |
| Diane of the Follies | 1916-09-24 | Theatrical Manager |
| Lights of Old Broadway | 1925-10-31 | Fowler |
| An Old Fashioned Young Man | 1917-04-14 | Senator Briggs |
| Might and the Man | 1917-05-05 | Hiram Sloan |
| A Girl of the Timber Claims | 1917-02-11 | Senator Hoyle |
| The Matrimaniac | 1916-12-16 | Mr. Lewis – Marna’s Father |
| Hoodoo Ann | 1916-03-26 | Samuel Knapp |
| The Flaming Forties | 1924-12-21 | Sheriff |
| The Sign of the Poppy | 1916-12-04 | |
| The Jailbird | 1920-10-10 | Joel Harvey |
| Mixed Blood | 1916-12-18 | Joe Nagle |
| The Mainspring | 1916-11-27 | Richard Creelman |
| Richard the Lion-Hearted | 1923-10-15 | Sir Thomas de Vaux |
| The Master Key | 1914-11-16 | Tom Gallon |
| The Midnight Man | 1917-08-13 | John Hardin |
| The Terror | 1920-05-29 | John D. Sutherland |
| Do and Dare | 1922-10-01 | Colonel ‘Handy’ Lee |
| Miracles of the Jungle | 1921-07-16 | Tom Cortland |
| Brass Buttons | 1919-04-06 | Mayor Dave McCullough |
| The Border Whirlwind | 1926-11-15 | Tom Blake Sr |
| Lucille Love: The Girl of Mystery | 1914-01-02 | |
| The Flames of Chance | 1918-01-20 | Frederick Armstrong |
| I’ll Get Him Yet | 1919-05-25 | Undetermined role |
| Nugget Nell | 1919-07-27 | Nell’s Uncle |