Marc MacDermott
Actor
About Marc MacDermott
Marc MacDermott (born Marcus Patrick McDermott) was a pioneering Australian-American actor whose career spanned the formative years of the silent film era. Born in Goulburn, New South Wales, he began his professional journey as a stage actor in Australia before moving to the United States in 1902, where he toured with the prestigious companies of Mrs. Patrick Campbell and Richard Mansfield. In 1909, he joined Thomas Edison's film studio in New York, quickly becoming one of the industry's most prolific and recognizable leading men, often starring alongside Miriam Nesbitt and Mary Fuller. MacDermott was celebrated for his immense versatility, transitioning seamlessly from romantic leads to complex villains and character roles, such as his iconic portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in 1910. He played a pivotal role in early cinema history by starring in the first-ever American motion picture serial, 'What Happened to Mary?' (1912). After a long tenure at Edison, he moved to Vitagraph Studios in 1916 and later appeared in major Hollywood productions for MGM and Warner Bros. throughout the 1920s. His career was tragically cut short when he died in 1929 at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy as one of the first international stars of the silver screen.
The Craft
On Screen
MacDermott was known as an 'intense' and 'emotional' actor who specialized in quiet, tense scenes rather than over-the-top theatricality. Critics often praised his 'expressive eyes' and his ability to inhabit characters from within, bringing a sense of realism and dignity to both heroic and villainous roles. He was particularly adept at physical transformation, utilizing his skills as a makeup artist to play characters of vastly different ages and physical conditions, such as a paralyzed man who communicated only through blinking.
Milestones
- Starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1910 adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol', one of the earliest film versions of the story.
- Played the male lead in 'What Happened to Mary?' (1912), the first motion picture serial produced in the United States.
- Was a leading star at Edison Studios for over six years, appearing in over 140 films for the company.
- Successfully transitioned from short films to feature-length productions in the 1920s, working with stars like Greta Garbo.
- Pioneered early film makeup techniques, including the use of yellow greasepaint to improve facial visibility under early studio lighting.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of the 'Kings of Expressionists' by contemporary film magazines in the 1910s.
- Featured on the cover of prestigious publications like 'Motion Picture News' and 'Picture Play Magazine'.
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As one of the first Australian actors to achieve major stardom in the United States, MacDermott paved the way for future international talent in Hollywood. His involvement in the first American film serial, 'What Happened to Mary?', helped establish a format that would become a staple of cinema for decades. Furthermore, his technical contributions to the art of screen makeup helped refine the visual language of silent film, allowing for more subtle and effective facial expressions under the harsh lighting conditions of the time.
Lasting Legacy
Marc MacDermott is remembered as a cornerstone of the Edison Studios era and a master of the silent film medium. While many of his early films are lost, his performances in late-silent masterpieces like 'He Who Gets Slapped' and 'Flesh and the Devil' remain as evidence of his sophisticated acting ability. He is frequently cited by film historians as a key figure in the transition from stage-bound acting to a more naturalistic cinematic style.
Who They Inspired
His 'intense' acting style and focus on internal character development influenced the 'expressionist' movement in early American acting. He was a model for the 'leading man' who could also be a character actor, a versatility that influenced contemporary peers and later generations of dramatic actors.
Off Screen
MacDermott was born to Irish parents in Australia and worked as a hairdresser in Sydney before pursuing acting. He was known for his sophisticated and cultured persona, though he often obscured his Australian roots in favor of a more 'British' or 'International' backstory for publicity purposes. His personal life was marked by a high-profile marriage to fellow Edison star Miriam Nesbitt, which ended in a contentious divorce in the early 1920s.
Education
Attended Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview in Sydney, Australia.
Family
- Miriam Nesbitt (1916-1922)
Did You Know?
- Before becoming an actor, he was a professional hairdresser in Sydney.
- He was a skilled makeup artist and is credited with pioneering the use of yellow greasepaint to counteract the blue-sensitive film stock of the era.
- His father reportedly disapproved of his acting and once burned his toy theater as a child.
- He appeared in over 180 films throughout his career, though many are now considered lost.
- He died of cirrhosis of the liver during surgery in 1929.
- He was often mistaken for a British aristocrat due to his refined manners and speech, a persona he actively cultivated.
- He starred in the 1910 version of 'A Christmas Carol', which was only 17 minutes long.
In Their Own Words
I prefer acting in quiet, tense scenes where the emotion is felt rather than shouted. (Context: Interview with Motion Picture Story Magazine regarding his acting philosophy.)
The eyes are the most important tool an actor has on the screen; they must tell the story that words cannot. (Context: Discussing his technique in the film 'While New York Sleeps'.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marc MacDermott?
Marc MacDermott was a prominent Australian-American actor of the silent film era, best known as a leading star for Edison Studios. He appeared in over 180 films and was famous for his versatility and pioneering work in film serials.
What films is Marc MacDermott best known for?
He is best known for starring in the first US film serial 'What Happened to Mary?' (1912), playing Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' (1910), and appearing in the Greta Garbo classic 'Flesh and the Devil' (1926).
When was Marc MacDermott born and when did he die?
He was born on July 24, 1871, in Goulburn, Australia, and died on January 5, 1929, in Glendale, California, at the age of 57.
What was Marc MacDermott's acting style?
He was known for an 'intense' and 'subtle' acting style, focusing on internal emotion and expressive facial movements rather than grand gestures. He was also a master of character makeup.
Did Marc MacDermott win any awards?
While he did not win modern awards like the Oscar (which began the year he died), he was one of the most critically acclaimed actors of his time, frequently hailed as a 'King of Expressionists' by major film magazines.
Was Marc MacDermott married?
Yes, he was married to fellow silent film star Miriam Nesbitt from 1916 until their divorce in 1922. They were frequent co-stars at Edison Studios.
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Films
1 film
