William Russell was an American actor, best known for his roles in silent films like “Anna Christie,” “The Blue Eagle,” and “The Desired Woman.”
Personal and Family Life
William Russell was born on April 12, 1884, in The Bronx, New York City. His mother, Clara, was a well-known stage actress, which influenced Russell’s early interest in the performing arts. He had a brief marriage to actress Charlotte Burton, but it ended in divorce in 1921. He later married Helen Ferguson in 1925, and they remained together until his death.
Career
Russell began his acting career on stage as a child and later re-entered the profession as an adult, performing with stars like Ethel Barrymore. He transitioned to film in 1910, starting with Biograph, and later found success at Thanhouser. Throughout the years, he worked with various studios and produced his own films, gaining fame during the silent film era.
Death and Legacy
William Russell passed away from pneumonia on February 18, 1929, in Beverly Hills, California. He was entombed at Forest Lawn Glendale, leaving behind a legacy as an important figure in the silent film industry. Russell’s contributions to early cinema are remembered through his extensive filmography and performances in timeless classics.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuvenation | 1912-04-22 | The Lighthouse Keeper |
| The Cry of the Children | 1912-04-30 | The factory owner |
| Anna Christie | 1923-11-24 | Matt Burke |
| The Portrait of Lady Anne | 1912-07-23 | Lady Anne’s Rejected Suitor |
| The Blue Eagle | 1926-09-12 | Big Tim Ryan |
| The Desired Woman | 1927-08-27 | Captain Maxwell |
| The Head of the Family | 1928-01-18 | The Plumber |
| Mixed Faces | 1922-10-21 | Judge J. Woodworth Granger |
| The Crusader | 1922-09-09 | Peter Brent |
| Tannhäuser | 1913-07-14 | Wolfram |
| Into the Desert | 1912-04-11 | The American Girl’s Fiancé |