Eric Hudson

Actor

Active: 1917-1917

About Eric Hudson

Eric Hudson was an American actor who appeared during the silent film era of the 1910s. His only known film credit is the 1917 mystery drama 'Seven Keys to Baldpate,' which was based on the popular play by Earl Derr Biggers. The film was produced by the Famous Players Film Company and starred George M. Cohan in the lead role. Hudson's career appears to have been extremely brief, with his entire known filmography consisting of this single production. Like many actors from the early silent period, particularly those in supporting or minor roles, detailed biographical information about Hudson has been lost to time. His contribution to early cinema, while small, represents the work of countless performers who helped establish the foundation of the American film industry during its formative years.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Seven Keys to Baldpate' (1917)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Seven Keys to Baldpate (1917)

Working Relationships

Studios

  • Famous Players Film Company

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Eric Hudson represents the countless anonymous performers who contributed to early American cinema during the silent era. While his individual impact was minimal due to his brief career, actors like Hudson were essential to the film industry's growth, filling supporting roles that allowed productions to be completed and stories to be told effectively. His appearance in 'Seven Keys to Baldpate' places him within the context of early film adaptations of popular stage plays, a common practice that helped bridge theatrical and cinematic traditions in the 1910s.

Lasting Legacy

Eric Hudson's legacy is primarily that of a typical early film actor whose work has largely been forgotten except in film archives and historical records. His single known film credit serves as a reminder of the thousands of performers who participated in cinema's early development but whose names have faded from public memory. Hudson's contribution, while small, is part of the collective effort that established Hollywood as the center of American filmmaking.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely brief and obscure career, there is no documented evidence of Eric Hudson influencing other performers or filmmakers. His influence, like that of many minor actors from the silent era, would have been limited to his immediate contributions to the productions in which he appeared.

Off Screen

Very little is known about Eric Hudson's personal life, as was common for many supporting actors from the silent era whose careers were brief and who did not achieve lasting fame.

Did You Know?

  • Eric Hudson's entire known filmography consists of just one film from 1917
  • 'Seven Keys to Baldpate' was based on a popular stage play by Earl Derr Biggers
  • The 1917 version of 'Seven Keys to Baldpate' starred George M. Cohan, a major theatrical star of the era
  • The story has been filmed multiple times, with versions appearing in 1925, 1935, 1947, and 1983
  • Hudson worked for the Famous Players Film Company, which later became part of Paramount Pictures
  • Like many silent era actors in minor roles, his personal details have been lost to film history

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Eric Hudson?

Eric Hudson was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Seven Keys to Baldpate' in 1917. Like many supporting actors from early cinema, very little biographical information about him survives today.

What films is Eric Hudson best known for?

Eric Hudson is known only for his appearance in 'Seven Keys to Baldpate' (1917), a mystery drama based on a popular stage play. This appears to be his sole film credit.

When was Eric Hudson born and when did he die?

Eric Hudson's birth and death dates are unknown, as is common for many minor actors from the silent era whose personal details were not preserved in historical records.

What awards did Eric Hudson win?

There are no records of Eric Hudson receiving any awards or nominations for his work in film, which was typical for supporting actors in the early days of cinema.

What was Eric Hudson's acting style?

Due to the lack of surviving information about Eric Hudson's career and the absence of his films from public viewing, his specific acting style cannot be determined. Like most actors of his era, he would have used the exaggerated gestures typical of silent film performance.

Learn More

Films

1 film