Robert Frazier
Actor
About Robert Frazier
Robert Frazier was an American actor whose career spanned the silent film era and transitioned into early sound cinema. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1891, he began his film career in the early 1910s, appearing in numerous short films and serials for studios like Universal and Vitagraph. Frazier developed a reputation as a reliable character actor, often playing authority figures, villains, or romantic leads in supporting roles. His most notable appearance was in Erich von Stroheim's controversial unfinished masterpiece 'Queen Kelly' (1928), where he played Prince Wolfram opposite Gloria Swanson. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he appeared in over 200 films, though many were uncredited bit parts. As the studio system evolved, Frazier found steady work in smaller character roles, often typecast as military officers, government officials, or aristocratic gentlemen. His career gradually declined in the late 1930s, though he continued working until his death in 1944, leaving behind a substantial body of work that exemplifies the journeyman actor's role in classical Hollywood cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Frazier was known for his dignified, authoritative presence on screen, often portraying men of status and respectability. 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 particularly effective in roles as military officers, aristocrats, and figures of authority. In talkies, his clear, well-modulated voice and theatrical training helped him maintain his career in supporting character roles.
Milestones
- Appeared in Erich von Stroheim's 'Queen Kelly' (1928)
- Acted in over 200 films during his career
- Transitioned successfully from silent films to talkies
- Worked extensively in Universal serials during the 1910s
- Established himself as a reliable character actor in supporting roles
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Robert Frazier represents the quintessential journeyman actor of Hollywood's golden age, whose work, while not always credited, was essential to the fabric of classical cinema. His appearance in 'Queen Kelly,' one of the most legendary unfinished films in cinema history, ensures his place in film scholarship and silent film history. Frazier's career trajectory mirrors the evolution of Hollywood itself, from the wild west of early silent film production through the establishment of the studio system and the transition to sound. His extensive filmography provides valuable documentation of the types of character actors who populated hundreds of films during this era, serving as the backbone of countless productions.
Lasting Legacy
Robert Frazier's legacy lies in his substantial body of work that spans nearly three decades of American cinema history. While never achieving star status, his consistent presence in films from the silent era through the early sound period exemplifies the crucial role character actors played in Hollywood's golden age. His participation in 'Queen Kelly' ensures that film historians and silent cinema enthusiasts continue to recognize his contribution to one of cinema's most fascinating unfinished projects. Frazier's career serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the working actors who formed the foundation of Hollywood's output during its most productive years.
Who They Inspired
As a character actor rather than a star, Robert Frazier's influence was primarily through his example of professionalism and reliability in supporting roles. His ability to transition from silent films to talkies demonstrated the adaptability required of actors during this revolutionary period in cinema. The consistency of his work across various studios and genres provided a model for other character actors seeking to maintain steady employment in the competitive Hollywood system. His performances in military and authority roles helped establish archetypes that would be replicated by subsequent generations of character actors.
Off Screen
Robert Frazier maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his career in Hollywood. He married actress and fellow silent film performer Helen Ferguson in 1925, though the marriage ended in divorce. Like many character actors of his era, he lived a modest lifestyle compared to the stars he often supported on screen. Frazier was known among his colleagues as a professional and dependable actor who always arrived prepared for his roles. He continued working in films despite declining health in his later years, demonstrating his dedication to his craft until his death from heart disease at age 53.
Family
- Helen Ferguson (1925-1927)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 200 films during his 28-year career
- His most famous film 'Queen Kelly' was never properly completed and only partially released
- Often played military officers, appearing in uniform in numerous films
- Worked extensively in Universal's popular serial film productions
- Was married to fellow silent film actress Helen Ferguson
- His career spanned the entire transition from silent films to sound
- Many of his later roles were uncredited bit parts
- Died relatively young at age 53 from heart disease
- Began his career during the pioneering days of American cinema
- Worked with some of Hollywood's most legendary directors including Erich von Stroheim
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Frazier?
Robert Frazier was an American character actor who worked primarily during the silent film era and early sound period, appearing in over 200 films between 1912 and 1940. He was best known for his supporting roles as authority figures and his appearance in Erich von Stroheim's unfinished masterpiece 'Queen Kelly' (1928).
What films is Robert Frazier best known for?
Robert Frazier is best known for his role as Prince Wolfram in 'Queen Kelly' (1928), though he also appeared in numerous other films including 'The Silent Command' (1923), 'The Phantom Express' (1931), and various Universal serials throughout his career.
When was Robert Frazier born and when did he die?
Robert Frazier was born on June 29, 1891, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and died on August 8, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 53 from heart disease.
What awards did Robert Frazier win?
Robert Frazier did not receive any major awards or nominations during his career, which was typical for character actors of his era who worked primarily in supporting roles.
What was Robert Frazier's acting style?
Frazier's acting style was characterized by his dignified, authoritative presence, making him ideal for roles as military officers, government officials, and aristocratic gentlemen. He employed the expressive techniques common in silent film acting and successfully transitioned to sound with his clear, well-modulated voice.
How many films did Robert Frazier appear in?
Robert Frazier appeared in over 200 films during his 28-year career, though many of his later roles were uncredited bit parts as his career progressed.
Was Robert Frazier married?
Yes, Robert Frazier was married to fellow silent film actress Helen Ferguson from 1925 to 1927, though the marriage ended in divorce.
What is the significance of 'Queen Kelly' in Robert Frazier's career?
'Queen Kelly' is the most significant film in Robert Frazier's career due to its legendary status as an unfinished masterpiece directed by Erich von Stroheim and starring Gloria Swanson. His role as Prince Wolfram was one of his few substantial leading roles and ensures his place in silent film history.
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Films
1 film
