Gerald Ward
Actor
About Gerald Ward
Gerald Ward was an American actor who worked during the early silent film era, appearing briefly in 1915. His most notable credit was in Cecil B. DeMille's film 'The Captive' (1915), which was one of DeMille's early directorial efforts during his time at the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company. Ward's career appears to have been extremely brief, limited to the year 1915, suggesting he may have been among the many stage actors who briefly experimented with the new medium of motion pictures during cinema's formative years. Like many actors from this period, detailed records of his life and career are scarce, as film industry documentation was still developing. The fact that he appeared in a DeMille production indicates he had some level of professional standing, however brief his film career may have been. His limited filmography places him among the countless early cinema pioneers whose contributions have been largely lost to time.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Captive' (1915)
- Worked during the formative years of American cinema
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Gerald Ward's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief career in the film industry. However, his participation in early cinema represents the broader movement of stage actors transitioning to the new medium of motion pictures during the 1910s. His appearance in a Cecil B. DeMille film places him within the context of early Hollywood's development, when the industry was still establishing itself and many performers had short-lived film careers.
Lasting Legacy
Gerald Ward's legacy is primarily that of an early film pioneer who contributed to cinema during its infancy. While his name is largely forgotten, his work in 'The Captive' (1915) makes him part of the foundation upon which the Hollywood film industry was built. Like many actors from this period, he represents the countless individuals who participated in early cinema but whose names have been lost to history.
Who They Inspired
Due to his brief career and limited filmography, Gerald Ward's influence on subsequent actors or filmmakers cannot be substantiated. He was more likely a product of his time rather than an influencer of future generations of performers.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Gerald Ward's personal life, which is typical for actors who had brief careers in the early silent film era. Historical records from this period are often incomplete, especially for performers who did not achieve lasting fame.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'The Captive' (1915), directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille
- Had an extremely brief film career limited to the single year of 1915
- Worked during the transition period when many stage actors were experimenting with film
- His career coincided with the early years of Hollywood's establishment
- Part of the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, which later became Paramount Pictures
- Like many early silent actors, his complete filmography may be lost or undocumented
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gerald Ward?
Gerald Ward was an American actor who worked briefly during the silent film era in 1915. He is primarily known for his appearance in Cecil B. DeMille's film 'The Captive' (1915), but had a very limited career that appears to have lasted only that single year.
What films is Gerald Ward best known for?
Gerald Ward is best known for his role in 'The Captive' (1915), a silent film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. This appears to be his only documented film credit, representing his entire known filmography.
When was Gerald Ward born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Gerald Ward are not available in historical records. This is common for actors who had very brief careers in the early silent film era when detailed documentation was not systematically maintained.
What awards did Gerald Ward win?
Gerald Ward did not receive any known awards or nominations during his brief career in 1915. The major film awards, including the Academy Awards, were not established until many years after his acting career ended.
What was Gerald Ward's acting style?
There is insufficient documentation to describe Gerald Ward's specific acting style. As an actor from the very early silent era, he likely employed the theatrical acting techniques common to the period, which emphasized exaggerated gestures and expressions to convey emotion without dialogue.
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Films
1 film
