William Shea was an American actor, best known for his roles in “Davy Jones’ Parrot,” “Davy Jones and Captain Bragg,” and “Davy Jones’ Domestic Troubles.” He was born on October 6, 1856, in Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and passed away on November 5, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York.
Personal and Family Life
There isn’t much publicly available information about William Shea’s personal life. It is known that he was a prominent figure in early American cinema, especially as one of the first comedians at the Vitagraph Company.
Career Highlights
William Shea enjoyed a successful acting career, primarily within the silent film era. He is often recognized as one of the oldest moving picture actors in the United States at the time of his passing. His works include various significant roles in numerous films from the early 1900s.
Death and Legacy
William Shea died from angina pectoris in 1918. According to “Theatre” magazine, he was a well-respected actor whose sudden death was a notable event in the film community. His contributions to early cinema are still acknowledged by film historians today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hearts and Diamonds | 1914-09-25 | Uncle William |
| The Man from Egypt | 1916-07-14 | Mr. Mazuma |
| A Tale of Two Cities | 1911-02-20 | Jarvis Lorry |
| A Daughter of Two Worlds | 1920-01-05 | Slim Jackson |
| The Bond of Music | 1912-08-30 | Pierre le Noir, Vian’s Neighbor |
| As You Like It | 1912-10-06 | Unknown role |
| Vanity Fair | 1911-01-02 | Sir Pitt Crawley |
| The Lady of Shalott | 1915-03-26 | Captain Starboard |
| Two Overcoats | 1911-06-24 | Peter Dempsey |
| A Wireless Rescue | 1915-03-23 | Old Welch – Polly’s Father |