Tom Gallery
Actor
About Tom Gallery
Tom Gallery was an American actor who rose to prominence during the silent film era of the early 1920s. Born Thomas Brown Gallery in Chicago, Illinois, he began his film career in 1920 with a starring role in the drama 'Dinty,' which established him as a promising leading man. Throughout his brief but notable career, Gallery appeared in approximately 20 films between 1920 and 1926, often playing romantic leads and heroic characters in melodramas and action pictures. His career peaked in the early 1920s when he was under contract with various studios including Universal and Fox. Gallery married actress ZaSu Pitts in 1920, making them one of Hollywood's notable couples of the era, though their marriage ended in divorce in 1932. After leaving the film industry, Gallery transitioned to a successful career in real estate and business, living a remarkably long life until his death at age 96 in 1993.
The Craft
On Screen
Gallery was typical of leading men of the silent era, employing exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion. His acting style was characterized by a earnest, straightforward approach that suited the melodramatic nature of early 1920s cinema. He had a clean-cut, all-American appearance that made him ideal for romantic leads and heroic characters.
Milestones
- Starred in 'Dinty' (1920), his breakthrough film
- Married actress ZaSu Pitts in 1920
- Contract player at Universal Pictures in early 1920s
- Appeared in over 20 silent films
- Successfully transitioned to real estate career after acting
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Tom Gallery represents the archetype of the silent era leading man whose career flourished briefly during the transition from short films to feature-length productions. His marriage to ZaSu Pitts placed him within Hollywood's social elite of the 1920s, though his own star never reached the same heights as his more famous wife. Gallery's career trajectory—from leading man to business professional—exemplifies the path many silent actors took when sound revolutionized the industry and their acting skills became obsolete. His longevity, living nearly a century, made him one of the last surviving links to Hollywood's silent era by the time of his death in 1993.
Lasting Legacy
While Tom Gallery never achieved legendary status in cinema history, his legacy survives through his contributions to early American cinema and as part of Hollywood's golden age. His films, particularly 'Dinty,' remain important artifacts of silent film history. As the former husband of ZaSu Pitts, he is frequently mentioned in biographies and studies of her career. His successful transition to business after acting demonstrated the adaptability required of many silent film stars. His long life made him a valuable source of information about early Hollywood for film historians in his later years.
Who They Inspired
Gallery's influence was primarily as a representative figure of the typical leading man of the early 1920s rather than as an innovator or trendsetter. His career choices and transition out of Hollywood reflected the broader industry changes that occurred with the advent of sound. His marriage to and divorce from ZaSu Pitts influenced public perceptions of Hollywood relationships during the studio era. His successful post-Hollywood career provided a model for other actors seeking to reinvent themselves outside the entertainment industry.
Off Screen
Tom Gallery's personal life was marked by his high-profile marriage to actress ZaSu Pitts, one of the most recognizable comediennes of the silent era. The couple married in 1920 and had two children together, Ann and Donald Gallery. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1932, which was highly publicized in Hollywood circles. After his divorce from Pitts, Gallery remarried and had additional children. Following his departure from acting, he found success in business and real estate, maintaining a relatively private life away from Hollywood. He lived to the remarkable age of 95, outlasting many of his contemporaries from the silent film era.
Education
Limited information available, likely educated in Chicago area before entering films
Family
- ZaSu Pitts (1920-1932)
- Helen Gallery (1933-1993)
Did You Know?
- His real name was Thomas Brown Gallery
- He stood 5'11" tall and had dark hair
- His film career lasted only 6 years but included over 20 films
- He met ZaSu Pitts on the set of 'Dinty' (1920)
- His son Donald Gallery also became an actor, appearing in films and television
- He was one of the last surviving actors from the silent era at the time of his death
- After leaving films, he became a successful real estate broker in Los Angeles
- He served in World War I before beginning his acting career
- His divorce from ZaSu Pitts was granted on grounds of desertion
- He was a distant cousin of President Ulysses S. Grant
In Their Own Words
The movies were wonderful, but there's more to life than being on the screen - Gallery on his career transition
I was lucky to have been part of Hollywood's golden age, even if just for a short time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tom Gallery?
Tom Gallery was an American actor who worked in silent films during the early 1920s, best known for his starring role in 'Dinty' (1920) and his marriage to actress ZaSu Pitts.
What films is Tom Gallery best known for?
Gallery is best known for 'Dinty' (1920), 'The Firebrand' (1922), 'The Girl Who Came Back' (1923), 'The Midnight Express' (1924), and 'The Dangerous Age' (1923).
When was Tom Gallery born and when did he die?
Tom Gallery was born on November 27, 1897, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on August 11, 1993, at the age of 95.
What awards did Tom Gallery win?
Tom Gallery did not receive any major film awards or nominations during his acting career, which was typical for many actors of the silent era.
What was Tom Gallery's acting style?
Gallery employed the typical silent era acting style with exaggerated gestures and facial expressions, suited for melodramatic roles and romantic leads in early 1920s cinema.
Was Tom Gallery married to ZaSu Pitts?
Yes, Tom Gallery married actress ZaSu Pitts in 1920 after meeting her on the set of 'Dinty.' They had two children together before divorcing in 1932.
Why did Tom Gallery's acting career end?
Gallery's acting career ended around 1926, likely due to the transition to sound films and changing industry demands, after which he successfully transitioned to a career in real estate.
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Films
1 film
