Ernest Butterworth Jr.
Actor
About Ernest Butterworth Jr.
Ernest Butterworth Jr. was a child actor during the silent film era who appeared in the 1920 drama 'The Soul of Youth.' His career was notably brief, spanning only the year 1920, which suggests he was likely a very young performer who may have returned to normal childhood after his brief brush with stardom. The film, directed by William Desmond Taylor, was one of several productions that featured child actors in prominent roles during this period. Unfortunately, detailed records about his life beyond this single film appearance are scarce, which was common for many child performers of the silent era who did not continue in the entertainment industry. His role in 'The Soul of Youth' represents his entire known filmography, making him one of the more obscure figures from Hollywood's formative years.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Soul of Youth' (1920)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ernest Butterworth Jr.'s contribution to cinema, while minimal, represents the broader phenomenon of child actors in early Hollywood. His appearance in 'The Soul of Youth' is part of the historical record of silent film production, which frequently utilized young performers to evoke emotional responses from audiences. Though his individual impact was negligible due to his brief career, he is part of the larger tapestry of early film history that shows how the industry relied on countless performers, many of whom remain largely undocumented in historical records.
Lasting Legacy
Ernest Butterworth Jr.'s legacy is primarily that of a representative example of the countless child actors who briefly appeared in silent films before returning to private life. His single film credit serves as a reminder of the transient nature of early Hollywood careers, particularly for young performers. While he did not achieve lasting fame or influence, his inclusion in the cast of 'The Soul of Youth' ensures his place in the historical documentation of silent cinema, however obscure.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely brief career consisting of only one known film appearance, Ernest Butterworth Jr. had no discernible influence on other actors or the film industry. His story is more representative of the many young performers who passed through Hollywood's early years without leaving a lasting mark on the art form.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Ernest Butterworth Jr.'s personal life, which is typical for many child actors from the silent era who had brief careers. Like many young performers of his time, he likely returned to a normal life outside of the entertainment industry after his single film appearance.
Did You Know?
- His entire known filmography consists of only one film from 1920
- He was a child actor during the silent film era
- His film 'The Soul of Youth' was directed by the notable director William Desmond Taylor
- The film he appeared in dealt with themes of childhood and youth, making him an appropriate casting choice
- Like many silent era child actors, virtually no biographical information about him survives
- His career spanned only one year, making him one of Hollywood's briefest working actors
- The film he appeared in is now considered part of the historical record of American silent cinema
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ernest Butterworth Jr.?
Ernest Butterworth Jr. was a child actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'The Soul of Youth' in 1920. His career was extremely brief, lasting only that single year, and very little biographical information about him survives today.
What films is Ernest Butterworth Jr. best known for?
Ernest Butterworth Jr. is known for only one film: 'The Soul of Youth' (1920), a silent drama directed by William Desmond Taylor. This represents his entire known filmography.
When was Ernest Butterworth Jr. born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Ernest Butterworth Jr. are not known, which is common for many obscure child actors from the silent era. He was active only in 1920, suggesting he was likely a young child during that time.
What awards did Ernest Butterworth Jr. win?
Ernest Butterworth Jr. did not receive any known awards or nominations during his brief career. This was typical for most child actors of the silent era, particularly those who appeared in only one or two films.
What was Ernest Butterworth Jr.'s acting style?
Due to the lack of surviving information and the fact that his only known film is from the silent era, there is no detailed documentation of Ernest Butterworth Jr.'s acting style. As a child actor in 1920, he would have used the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions typical of silent film performance.
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Films
1 film
