Dan Dowling

Actor

Active: 1928

About Dan Dowling

Dan Dowling was an American actor who appeared during the transitional period between silent films and early talkies in Hollywood. His known film career was extremely brief, consisting of at least one appearance in 1928's 'Lilac Time,' a romantic war drama starring Colleen Moore and Gary Cooper. Like many actors of the silent era, Dowling's career may have been limited by the advent of sound, which required different acting skills and often led to the displacement of many silent film performers. Very little documented information survives about his life or career, suggesting he was likely a bit player or extra rather than a featured performer. His single known credit places him among the countless supporting actors who populated Hollywood films during the golden age of silent cinema but whose names have largely faded from historical record.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Lilac Time' (1928)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Lilac Time (1928)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Dan Dowling's cultural impact appears to be minimal, which is typical for actors who had very brief careers in supporting roles during the silent film era. His contribution to cinema, like that of many bit players from this period, was part of the collective effort that created the rich tapestry of early Hollywood films, even if individual names have been lost to history.

Lasting Legacy

Dan Dowling represents the countless anonymous performers who contributed to early cinema but whose names and stories have largely been forgotten. His legacy is primarily as an example of the transient nature of fame in early Hollywood, where thousands of actors appeared in films but only a handful achieved lasting recognition.

Who They Inspired

Given the brevity of his known career and lack of documented information about his work, there is no evidence of Dan Dowling having influenced other performers or filmmakers in any significant way.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about Dan Dowling's personal life, which is common for minor actors from the silent era who did not achieve significant fame.

Did You Know?

  • Dan Dowling's entire known film career appears to have been confined to the year 1928
  • He appeared in 'Lilac Time,' which was one of Colleen Moore's most successful silent films
  • The film he appeared in was released during the transition period when silent films were being replaced by talkies
  • Like many actors from his era, his career may have ended with the advent of sound pictures
  • Very little biographical information about him survives, which was common for minor actors of the silent period

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dan Dowling?

Dan Dowling was an American actor who appeared in silent films during the late 1920s, with his only known credit being in the 1928 film 'Lilac Time.' He appears to have had a very brief career in Hollywood, likely as a supporting actor or extra.

What films is Dan Dowling best known for?

Dan Dowling is known only for his appearance in 'Lilac Time' (1928), a romantic war drama starring Colleen Moore and Gary Cooper. This appears to be his sole surviving film credit.

When was Dan Dowling born and when did he die?

Unfortunately, there are no available records of Dan Dowling's birth or death dates, which is common for minor actors from the silent era whose biographical information was not preserved in historical records.

What awards did Dan Dowling win?

There are no records of Dan Dowling receiving any awards or nominations for his work in film, which is typical for actors who had very brief or minor careers in early Hollywood.

What was Dan Dowling's acting style?

Given the lack of detailed information about his performances and the fact that he appeared in only one known film, there is no documented information available about Dan Dowling's specific acting style or technique.

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Films

1 film