Dana Ong
Actor
About Dana Ong
Dana Ong was an American actor who had a brief career during the silent film era of the 1910s. His only known film appearance was in Cecil B. DeMille's controversial and influential 1915 drama 'The Cheat.' The film was notable for its advanced cinematography techniques and bold themes for its time. Ong appeared alongside stars Fannie Ward and Sessue Hayakawa in what would become one of DeMille's early masterpieces. Unfortunately, like many actors from this early period, detailed records of his life and career are scarce. His filmography appears to consist solely of this single 1915 production, suggesting he may have been a bit player or someone who briefly entered the film industry before pursuing other interests.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Cheat' (1915)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dana Ong's contribution to cinema, while minimal, is tied to his participation in 'The Cheat' (1915), a film that was technically and thematically ahead of its time. The movie was groundbreaking in its use of lighting and camera techniques, and it was one of the first American films to feature an Asian actor (Sessue Hayakawa) in a major, complex role. Although Ong's role was likely minor, he was part of a production that helped establish Cecil B. DeMille's reputation and pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in American cinema during the early 1910s.
Lasting Legacy
Dana Ong represents the countless anonymous actors who populated early American films but whose names have been largely lost to history. His legacy exists only through his connection to 'The Cheat,' a film that has survived as an important example of early American cinematic art. While his individual contribution may have been small, he was part of the foundation of Hollywood's golden age, during which the language of cinema was being established.
Who They Inspired
Due to the extremely limited nature of Dana Ong's film career, there is no documented evidence of his influence on other actors or filmmakers. His brief appearance in a single film suggests he was not a significant figure in terms of artistic influence or mentorship within the industry.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Dana Ong's personal life, as he appears to have had only a brief stint in the film industry during 1915. Like many bit players from the silent era, comprehensive records of his life outside of his single film credit have not survived.
Did You Know?
- Dana Ong's only known film appearance was in 1915, making him one of the most obscure actors from the silent era
- 'The Cheat' was considered quite controversial for its time due to its themes of adultery and interracial dynamics
- The film was one of the first to use dramatic lighting techniques that would become hallmarks of film noir
- Despite having only one credit, Ong worked with one of Hollywood's most important early directors, Cecil B. DeMille
- Like many actors from this period, complete biographical information has been lost to time
- The film was preserved by the National Film Registry in 1993 for its cultural and historical significance
- Original prints of 'The Cheat' were tinted different colors to enhance emotional scenes
- The film was remade multiple times, including a 1923 version and a 1931 sound version
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dana Ong?
Dana Ong was an American actor from the silent film era who had an extremely brief career, appearing in only one known film: Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Cheat' in 1915. Like many bit players from early cinema, biographical information about him is scarce.
What films is Dana Ong best known for?
Dana Ong is known for only one film: 'The Cheat' (1915), directed by Cecil B. DeMille. This film was groundbreaking for its time and has been preserved by the National Film Registry for its historical significance.
When was Dana Ong born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Dana Ong are not available in historical records, which is common for minor actors from the silent era who had brief careers in the film industry.
What awards did Dana Ong win?
There are no records of Dana Ong receiving any awards or nominations. His film career was limited to a single appearance in 1915, before most major film awards were established.
What was Dana Ong's acting style?
Due to the limited nature of his filmography and the lack of surviving detailed reviews from the period, there is insufficient information to determine Dana Ong's specific acting style or techniques.
Why is Dana Ong's filmography so limited?
Dana Ong appears to have been a bit player or someone who briefly experimented with acting in 1915. Many actors from this era either moved on to other professions or returned to stage work, leaving minimal film records behind.
What was 'The Cheat' about and why was it significant?
'The Cheat' was a controversial drama about a wealthy woman who steals money and becomes entangled with a predatory ivory dealer. The film was significant for its advanced cinematography, bold themes, and was one of the first American films to feature an Asian actor in a major role.
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Films
1 film
