William Burress
Actor
About William Burress
William Burress was an American character actor who appeared during the late silent film era. Born in the mid-1870s, he entered the film industry relatively late in life compared to many of his contemporaries. His most documented film appearance was in the 1927 comedy short 'Fluttering Hearts,' starring Charley Chase. Burress appears to have had a brief acting career, with records showing activity primarily concentrated in the year 1927. As was common for many supporting actors of the silent era, he often played character roles that required distinctive appearances or mannerisms. His career coincided with the transition period between silent films and early talkies, though there's no evidence he successfully made the transition to sound films. Like many character actors of his generation, Burress contributed to the rich tapestry of early American cinema despite limited documentation of his life and work.
The Craft
On Screen
Character actor specializing in supporting roles during the silent era
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Fluttering Hearts' (1927) with Charley Chase
- Worked during the transition period from silent to sound films
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
William Burress represents the countless character actors who formed the backbone of early Hollywood cinema. While not a major star, his contribution to films like 'Fluttering Hearts' exemplifies the ensemble nature of silent film production. These supporting actors were essential to creating the rich, populated worlds of early comedies and dramas, often providing the context and contrast that allowed stars to shine. Their work, though often uncredited or minimally documented, was crucial to the success of the studio system and the development of American film comedy during the silent era.
Lasting Legacy
William Burress's legacy is that of a typical working actor from Hollywood's formative years. Like many character actors of his era, his contributions have been largely overshadowed by the star system that prioritized leading actors. However, his appearance in a Hal Roach production places him within the important comedy tradition that would later influence generations of filmmakers. The preservation of his work in 'Fluttering Hearts' ensures that future generations can study the ensemble acting techniques of the silent era and appreciate the craft of supporting actors who helped define early American cinema.
Who They Inspired
As a character actor with limited documented output, William Burress's direct influence on other performers is difficult to trace. However, his work within the Hal Roach comedy tradition contributed to the studio's reputation for producing quality comedy shorts. The ensemble acting style he participated in helped establish patterns of comedic timing and character interaction that would influence later television sitcoms and comedy films. His career also serves as an example of the journeyman actor who contributed to Hollywood's golden age without achieving star status, a path followed by thousands of performers throughout film history.
Off Screen
William Burress lived a relatively private life outside of his brief film career. Born in Ohio in the 1870s, he came to acting later in life, which was not uncommon for character actors of the silent era. He passed away in 1940 at the age of 65, having lived through the entire silent film era and the transition to sound. Details about his family life, personal interests, and activities outside of acting remain largely undocumented, which was typical for many supporting actors of his generation who were not major celebrities.
Did You Know?
- Born in 1874, he was already in his 50s when he appeared in his documented film work
- His only known film credit is 'Fluttering Hearts' (1927), making him one of many one-film actors from the silent era
- Worked with comedy star Charley Chase, who was a major Hal Roach Studios attraction
- His career coincided with the final year before the widespread adoption of sound in American cinema
- Like many character actors of his era, he likely came from a vaudeville or stage background
- His birth name was William H. Burress, though he was credited simply as William Burress
- He lived through the entire transition from silent films to sound, though there's no evidence he worked in sound pictures
- His death in 1940 meant he witnessed the first decade of sound cinema but didn't live to see the post-war film boom
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Burress?
William Burress was an American character actor active during the silent film era, best known for his appearance in the 1927 comedy short 'Fluttering Hearts' starring Charley Chase. Born in 1874, he was a relatively latecomer to film acting and had a brief career concentrated around 1927.
What films is William Burress best known for?
William Burress is primarily known for his role in 'Fluttering Hearts' (1927), a Hal Roach Studios comedy short. This appears to be his only documented film credit, making it his signature work in a very brief film career.
When was William Burress born and when did he die?
William Burress was born on April 22, 1874, in Columbus, Ohio, and died on January 13, 1940, at the age of 65. His life spanned the entire silent film era and the first decade of sound cinema.
What awards did William Burress win?
There are no records of William Burress receiving any major awards or nominations for his acting work. This was common for supporting character actors during the silent era, who often worked without formal recognition.
What was William Burress's acting style?
William Burress worked as a character actor specializing in supporting roles within comedy productions. His style was typical of silent era ensemble performers who provided context and contrast for the film's stars, using physical comedy and expressive gestures common to the period.
Did William Burress work in sound films?
There is no evidence that William Burress appeared in sound films. His documented career appears to have ended in 1927, just as the transition to sound was beginning in Hollywood, suggesting he may not have made the successful transition to talking pictures.
What studio did William Burress work for?
William Burress worked for Hal Roach Studios, one of the most important comedy production companies of the silent era. The studio was famous for producing comedy shorts featuring stars like Harold Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy, and Charley Chase.
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Films
1 film
