Richard Norton

Actor

Active: 1921

About Richard Norton

Richard Norton was an American actor who appeared during the silent film era, with his only known film credit being the 1921 comedy 'All Dolled Up.' His extremely brief career spanned just a single year, 1921, making him one of the many performers who briefly graced the silver screen during Hollywood's formative years before fading into obscurity. Like many actors of his era, Norton was likely drawn to the burgeoning film industry during its explosive growth in the early 1920s. The fact that he appeared in only one known film suggests he may have been a bit player, extra, or someone who tried acting briefly before pursuing other career paths. Unfortunately, detailed records about minor silent film actors are often incomplete, leaving much of Norton's life and career lost to history.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in the silent comedy 'All Dolled Up' (1921)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • All Dolled Up (1921)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Richard Norton's impact on cinema and culture was minimal, limited to his single appearance in the 1921 silent comedy 'All Dolled Up.' As one of countless actors who briefly participated in early Hollywood, his story represents the transient nature of fame during the silent film era, where many performers appeared in only one or two films before disappearing from the industry. His brief career exemplifies how the early film industry was filled with aspiring actors who tried their hand at movies but did not achieve lasting success or recognition.

Lasting Legacy

Richard Norton's legacy is primarily that of an obscure figure from the silent era, representing the thousands of actors who briefly appeared in early cinema but left little trace in film history. His only known film credit serves as a reminder of how many contributors to early Hollywood have been lost to time, their stories and performances preserved only in fragments of historical record. While he may not have achieved fame, Norton was part of the pioneering generation that helped establish the film industry as we know it today.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely limited filmography, Richard Norton had no discernible influence on other actors or directors. His brief appearance in a single silent film did not provide enough material or visibility to impact the craft of acting or inspire future generations of performers.

Off Screen

Very little is known about Richard Norton's personal life, as he appears to have had an extremely brief career in silent films with only one known credit. Like many minor actors from the silent era, detailed biographical information has not been preserved in historical records.

Did You Know?

  • Richard Norton's entire known film career consists of just one movie from 1921
  • His only film 'All Dolled Up' was a silent comedy produced during the early boom years of Hollywood
  • Many actors from the silent era with brief careers like Norton's have incomplete biographical records
  • The 1920s saw thousands of actors try their luck in Hollywood, with most achieving only minor roles
  • Silent film actors often used their real names or stage names that have since been lost to history
  • The transition to sound films in the late 1920s ended many silent era careers, though Norton's was already over by then

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Richard Norton?

Richard Norton was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known movie, the 1921 comedy 'All Dolled Up.' His career was extremely brief, spanning just the single year of 1921, making him one of many obscure figures from early Hollywood.

What films is Richard Norton best known for?

Richard Norton is known for only one film: 'All Dolled Up' (1921), a silent comedy. This appears to be his sole screen credit, as no other films featuring him have been documented in film archives or databases.

When was Richard Norton born and when did he die?

Unfortunately, Richard Norton's birth and death dates are not known. Like many minor actors from the silent era who appeared in only one or two films, detailed biographical information about him has been lost to history.

What awards did Richard Norton win?

Richard Norton did not receive any known awards or nominations for his brief film work. The major award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards, were not established until after his only known film was released.

What was Richard Norton's acting style?

Due to the lack of surviving information about Richard Norton's performance and the absence of other film credits, his specific acting style cannot be determined. Like many actors of his era, he likely employed the exaggerated physical gestures typical of silent film acting.

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Films

1 film