Wesley Ruggles
Actor & Director
About Wesley Ruggles
Wesley Ruggles was an American film director and actor who made significant contributions to Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema. Born in Los Angeles in 1889, he began his career as an actor, appearing in several Charlie Chaplin comedies in 1915-1916 where he honed his understanding of film comedy and timing. He transitioned to directing in the 1920s, helming films like 'The Plastic Age' (1925) which featured an early appearance by Clara Bow and helped establish her as the 'It Girl.' His career reached its zenith with 'Cimarron' (1931), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned him a nomination for Best Director. Throughout his career, Ruggles demonstrated remarkable versatility, directing films across multiple genres including westerns, comedies, and dramas. He worked with many of the era's biggest stars, including Mae West in 'I'm No Angel' (1933), Carole Lombard in 'True Confession' (1937), and Richard Dix in multiple films. Though his critical success waned after the early 1930s, he continued directing through the 1940s and 1950s, completing over 50 films as a director. Ruggles was the brother of actor Charles Ruggles and was married twice, both times to actresses. He died in Santa Monica in 1972, leaving behind a legacy that includes one of the early Best Picture winners in Academy history.
The Craft
On Screen
As an actor in his early career, Ruggles appeared in comedic roles, particularly in Charlie Chaplin films where he often played supporting characters with physical comedy elements. His acting style was typical of the silent era, emphasizing expressive gestures and pantomime to convey emotion and humor. Though his acting career was brief, his experience working with Chaplin provided invaluable insights into comedy and filmmaking that would later inform his directing career.
Behind the Camera
R
Milestones
- Transitioned from actor to director in the 1920s
- Directed 'Cimarron' (1931) which won Academy Award for Best Picture
- Directed over 50 films across various genres
- Worked with major stars like Mae West, Carole Lombard, and Richard Dix
- Successfully transitioned from silent films to talkies
- Helped launch Clara Bow's career with 'The Plastic Age' (1925)
Films
10 films
