William Black
Actor
About William Black
William Black was a minor actor during the early sound era of Hollywood, known primarily for his appearance in the 1930 comedy short 'The Golf Specialist' starring W.C. Fields. His career appears to have been exceptionally brief, with documented film work limited to a single year, 1930. Like many character actors and bit players of the early talkies period, Black likely supplemented his income with other work outside the film industry. His role in 'The Golf Specialist' would have been one of many small parts that populated the supporting casts of comedy shorts during this transitional period in cinema history. The lack of extensive documentation about his career suggests he was not a prominent figure in Hollywood, but rather one of the countless working actors who contributed to the rich tapestry of early sound cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Golf Specialist' (1930) starring W.C. Fields
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
William Black's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, represents the important role that supporting actors and bit players played in the early sound era. These actors, though often unremembered by name, were essential to creating the rich, populated worlds of comedy shorts and feature films during Hollywood's transition from silent to sound pictures. His appearance in a W.C. Fields film places him within the context of one of comedy's most influential performers.
Lasting Legacy
William Black's legacy is primarily that of a representative example of the countless working actors who populated Hollywood's films during the early sound era. While his name may not be remembered, his contribution to 'The Golf Specialist' helps illustrate the collaborative nature of film production and the importance of even the smallest roles in creating memorable cinema. He stands as a testament to the many anonymous performers who helped build the foundation of American comedy film.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with an extremely brief documented career, William Black's direct influence on other performers or the film industry appears to have been minimal. However, like all actors who worked during this transitional period, he was part of the generation that helped establish the conventions and techniques of early sound comedy performance.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about William Black's personal life, which is typical for minor actors of the early sound era who did not achieve significant fame. Like many supporting actors of his time, details about his family, relationships, and life outside his brief film career remain largely unrecorded in film history archives.
Did You Know?
- His entire known film career consists of a single year: 1930
- He appeared in 'The Golf Specialist,' one of W.C. Fields' early sound shorts
- The film he appeared in was only 21 minutes long
- His role was likely uncredited or very minor
- Like many actors of his era, he may have been a stage performer transitioning to films
- The early sound era was particularly challenging for minor actors due to new technical requirements
- His career spanned the critical transition period from silent films to talkies
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Black?
William Black was a minor actor active in 1930, known primarily for his appearance in the W.C. Fields comedy short 'The Golf Specialist.' His career appears to have been extremely brief, with documented work limited to this single film.
What films is William Black best known for?
William Black is known only for 'The Golf Specialist' (1930), a 21-minute comedy short starring W.C. Fields. This appears to be his sole credited film appearance.
When was William Black born and when did he die?
Birth and death dates for William Black are not documented in available film archives, which is common for minor actors from the early sound era who did not achieve significant fame.
What awards did William Black win?
William Black did not receive any documented awards or nominations for his work in film, which is typical for bit players and supporting actors of his era.
What was William Black's acting style?
Specific details about William Black's acting style are not documented, likely due to the minor nature of his role and the brevity of his film career.
Did William Black work with other famous actors?
William Black worked with W.C. Fields in 'The Golf Specialist.' Fields was one of the most influential comedy performers of the era, known for his cynical humor and distinctive screen persona.
Learn More
Films
1 film
