George Field
Actor
About George Field
George Field was an American silent film actor who worked primarily during the 1910s and early 1920s, appearing in numerous supporting roles throughout Hollywood's burgeoning film industry. Born in 1877, he began his film career around 1912 and quickly became a reliable character actor, often cast as authority figures, villains, or distinguished gentlemen. Field worked with some of the biggest stars of the silent era, including appearing alongside Rudolph Valentino in the star's most famous productions. His career, though relatively brief, spanned the transitional period when cinema was evolving from short subjects to feature-length productions. Field appeared in over 100 films during his career, though many of these are now lost due to the deterioration of silent film stock. He continued acting until his death in 1925 at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's dependable supporting players during the golden age of silent cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Field was known for his dignified presence and ability to portray authority figures, often playing judges, aristocrats, businessmen, or government officials. His acting style was typical of the silent era, emphasizing expressive gestures and facial features to convey emotion and character. He had a commanding screen presence that made him well-suited for roles requiring gravitas and respectability.
Milestones
- Appeared in Rudolph Valentino's Blood and Sand (1922)
- Supporting role in The Young Rajah (1922)
- Prolific character actor with over 100 film appearances
- Worked during the peak of silent cinema
- Transitioned from short films to feature-length productions
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
George Field represents the legion of dedicated character actors who formed the backbone of silent cinema, providing essential support to leading stars and helping to establish the visual language of film. While not a major star himself, his contributions to films like Blood and Sand helped create the rich tapestry of supporting performances that defined Hollywood's golden age. His work exemplifies the craft of silent film acting, where performers had to convey complex emotions and character traits through physical expression alone.
Lasting Legacy
Field's legacy lies in his body of work as a reliable supporting actor during a crucial period in cinema history. Like many character actors of his era, most of his films have been lost to time, making his contributions largely invisible to modern audiences. However, his surviving performances in films with Rudolph Valentino provide valuable examples of the ensemble acting that helped make silent films compelling. He represents the thousands of working actors who, while never achieving stardom, were essential to the success of early Hollywood.
Who They Inspired
As a character actor rather than a star, Field's influence was primarily through his work ethic and professional example rather than through mentoring or direct artistic influence. His ability to consistently deliver believable supporting performances helped establish the importance of well-cast character roles in narrative filmmaking, a tradition that continues in cinema today.
Off Screen
George Field maintained a relatively private personal life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He was married and had children, though specific details about his family life are scarce in historical records. As a working actor during the silent era, he was part of the close-knit Hollywood community that existed before the studio system fully solidified. His death in 1925 cut short what had been a steady and productive career in the film industry.
Education
Educational background not documented in available sources
Family
- Unknown (marriage details not extensively documented)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 100 films during his 13-year career
- Worked with Rudolph Valentino in multiple films during Valentino's peak popularity
- Many of his films are now considered lost due to the deterioration of silent film stock
- His career spanned the transition period when Hollywood was establishing itself as the center of film production
- Died at age 48, cutting short a productive career in silent cinema
- Typically played authority figures due to his dignified appearance and demeanor
- Was part of the generation of actors who helped establish the conventions of silent film performance
- His filmography includes both short subjects and feature-length films
- Worked during the era before the studio system completely dominated Hollywood
- His exact birth name and early life details remain somewhat mysterious to film historians
In Their Own Words
No documented famous quotes from George Field are available in historical records
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was George Field?
George Field was an American silent film actor active from 1912 to 1925, known primarily for his supporting roles in numerous films of the era. He appeared in over 100 films, often playing authority figures and distinguished characters, and worked with major stars including Rudolph Valentino.
What films is George Field best known for?
Field is best remembered for his appearances in Blood and Sand (1922) and The Young Rajah (1922), both starring Rudolph Valentino, as well as The End of the Game (1919). These films represent some of his most visible roles during the peak of his career.
When was George Field born and when did he die?
George Field was born on March 18, 1877, in San Francisco, California, and died on August 9, 1925, at the age of 48. His death cut short what had been a productive career in silent cinema.
What awards did George Field win?
George Field did not receive any major awards or nominations during his career, which was common for character actors of the silent era. The Academy Awards were not established until 1929, four years after his death.
What was George Field's acting style?
Field's acting style was typical of the silent era, emphasizing expressive gestures and facial features to convey emotion. He was particularly adept at playing authority figures and dignified characters, using his commanding presence to create believable supporting roles.
How many films did George Field appear in?
George Field appeared in over 100 films during his 13-year career, though many of these films are now considered lost due to the deterioration of silent film stock. His filmography includes both short subjects and feature-length productions.
Did George Field work with any famous stars?
Yes, Field worked with several major stars of the silent era, most notably appearing in multiple films with Rudolph Valentino, including Blood and Sand and The Young Rajah. These collaborations came during Valentino's peak popularity as a leading man.
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Films
3 films
