Robert Milliken
Actor
About Robert Milliken
Robert Milliken was a silent film actor who had a brief career in the motion picture industry during the early days of Hollywood. His only known film appearance was in the 1917 silent comedy short 'A Clever Dummy,' which was typical of the one- and two-reel comedies that dominated the American film market during this period. Like many actors of the silent era, Milliken was likely part of the vast pool of performers who appeared in supporting or background roles, often without receiving screen credit or significant recognition. His career spanned only a single year, 1917, suggesting he may have been either a bit player who moved on to other professions or someone who found limited success in the competitive early film industry. The lack of extensive documentation about his life and career is not uncommon for actors from this era, particularly those who appeared in only a few films before the industry transitioned to more structured studio systems.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'A Clever Dummy' (1917)
- Worked during the formative years of American cinema
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Robert Milliken represents the thousands of anonymous actors who contributed to the early development of American cinema during the silent era. While his individual impact may be minimal, he was part of the foundational workforce that helped establish the film industry as we know it today. His appearance in 'A Clever Dummy' places him within the context of early 20th century comedy filmmaking, which would later evolve into the sophisticated comedic traditions of Hollywood.
Lasting Legacy
Robert Milliken's legacy is primarily that of a representative figure from the vast pool of early film actors whose names have been lost to time. His single known film appearance serves as a reminder of the countless performers who contributed to cinema's early years without achieving lasting fame. Film historians and archivists continue to work to identify and document such actors to preserve the complete history of early American cinema.
Who They Inspired
Given his brief career and limited filmography, Robert Milliken's direct influence on subsequent generations of actors and filmmakers is not documented. However, like all performers from the silent era, he contributed to the development of acting techniques and film language that would influence future cinema.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Robert Milliken's personal life, which is typical of many supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve star status. Like many performers of his time, his life story remains largely unrecorded in film history archives.
Did You Know?
- Robert Milliken's entire known film career consisted of a single year, 1917
- His only known film appearance was in the silent comedy 'A Clever Dummy'
- The film he appeared in was released during World War I, a pivotal time in cinema history
- Silent actors like Milliken often had to convey emotion and story through physical expression alone
- Many actors from this era were stage performers who transitioned to the new medium of film
- The lack of detailed records about Milliken is typical for supporting actors of the 1910s
- Early film actors often worked without contracts or job security in the rapidly evolving industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Milliken?
Robert Milliken was a silent film actor active in 1917, known only for his appearance in the comedy short 'A Clever Dummy.' He represents the many obscure performers who worked during the early days of American cinema.
What films is Robert Milliken best known for?
Robert Milliken is known for only one film: 'A Clever Dummy' (1917), a silent comedy short from the early Hollywood era.
When was Robert Milliken born and when did he die?
Birth and death dates for Robert Milliken are not documented in available historical records, which is common for many supporting actors from the silent era.
What awards did Robert Milliken win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Robert Milliken, as he had a very brief career during the early days of cinema before major award systems were established.
What was Robert Milliken's acting style?
Specific details about Robert Milliken's acting style are not documented, but as a silent era performer, he would have relied on physical expression, pantomime, and exaggerated gestures typical of the period.
Why is so little known about Robert Milliken?
Limited documentation about Robert Milliken is typical for actors who had brief careers in the silent era, particularly those in supporting roles. Many records from this period have been lost or never properly archived.
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Films
1 film
