Harry DeRoy
Actor
About Harry DeRoy
Harry DeRoy was an American actor who appeared during the early silent film era. His only known screen credit is in the 1913 Keystone comedy 'Fatty Joins the Force,' starring Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle. Like many performers of this period, DeRoy was likely a bit player or extra who appeared in Mack Sennett's chaotic slapstick productions. His extremely brief film career, limited to a single year, suggests he may have been one of the countless anonymous performers who populated the background of early comedy shorts. Little else is documented about his life or career, which was typical of supporting actors in the nascent film industry who often left no trace beyond their brief screen appearances.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Fatty Joins the Force' (1913)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Harry DeRoy represents the countless anonymous performers who populated early silent comedies. While his individual contribution was minimal, actors like him were essential to creating the chaotic, populated worlds of Keystone comedies. His brief appearance in a 1913 Arbuckle film places him within the foundational period of American comedy cinema, during which Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios was pioneering slapstick techniques that would influence generations of filmmakers.
Lasting Legacy
Harry DeRoy's legacy is primarily as a representative example of the anonymous supporting players who were the backbone of early silent film production. His single known credit in 'Fatty Joins the Force' makes him part of the historical record of Keystone Studios' output during its most innovative period. While not a significant figure in film history, he embodies the transient nature of early cinema careers and the difficulty of documenting the thousands of performers who contributed to the medium's development.
Who They Inspired
As a minor performer with only one known credit, Harry DeRoy had no discernible influence on other actors or directors. His contribution was limited to his brief appearance in a single comedy short during the pioneering days of American cinema.
Off Screen
No personal information is available about Harry DeRoy, which was common for bit players and supporting actors in the early silent film era who often left no biographical records.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
- Worked at Keystone Studios during their peak creative period
- His only film was directed by and starred Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle
- 1913 was during the height of the Keystone comedy craze
- Like many early film actors, no biographical details have survived
- His film was typical of the chaotic slapstick style pioneered by Mack Sennett
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harry DeRoy?
Harry DeRoy was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Fatty Joins the Force' in 1913. He was likely a bit player or extra at Keystone Studios, one of the many anonymous performers who populated early comedy shorts.
What films is Harry DeRoy best known for?
Harry DeRoy is known for only one film: 'Fatty Joins the Force' (1913), a Keystone comedy short starring Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle. This appears to be his sole screen credit.
When was Harry DeRoy born and when did he die?
No birth or death dates are available for Harry DeRoy, which was common for minor performers in early cinema who often left no biographical records behind.
What awards did Harry DeRoy win?
Harry DeRoy did not receive any known awards or nominations during his brief film career, which consisted of a single appearance in 1913.
What was Harry DeRoy's acting style?
No specific information exists about Harry DeRoy's acting style. As a performer in a Keystone comedy, he likely participated in the broad, physical slapstick style characteristic of Mack Sennett productions.
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Films
1 film
