Delmar Watson
Actor
About Delmar Watson
Delmar Watson was born into the legendary Watson family, known as 'The First Family of Hollywood,' which consisted of five brothers who all became prominent child actors during the silent era and early sound period. Beginning his career as a toddler, Delmar appeared in numerous films throughout the late 1920s and 1930s, often alongside his brothers in family-oriented productions. His most notable early appearance was in Frank Borzage's romantic drama 'Lucky Star' (1929), starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. As a child actor, he worked with major studios including Paramount, MGM, and Warner Bros., appearing in both short subjects and feature films. After his acting career diminished in his teenage years, Watson transitioned to a successful career as a news photographer, working for the Los Angeles Times for many years. He remained connected to Hollywood history throughout his life, often participating in film retrospectives and sharing memories of early cinema. Watson's career spanned the transition from silent films to talkies, making him a living link to cinema's formative years.
The Craft
On Screen
As a child actor of the late silent and early sound era, Watson's style was characterized by naturalistic expressions and emotional authenticity that was prized by directors of the period. Like many child actors of his generation, he possessed an innate ability to convey emotion without the benefit of sophisticated dialogue, relying on facial expressions and body language honed through extensive family practice sessions.
Milestones
- Appeared in Frank Borzage's 'Lucky Star' (1929)
- Part of the famous Watson family of child actors
- Transitioned successfully to news photography
- Worked as photographer for Los Angeles Times
- Participated in Hollywood preservation efforts
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (as part of Watson family)
- Los Angeles Times Photographer of the Year (multiple times)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Delmar Watson represents an important link to Hollywood's transitional period from silent films to talkies, particularly through his work as part of the Watson family, which exemplified the professionalization of child acting in early cinema. His participation in films like 'Lucky Star' places him within the context of major artistic achievements of late silent cinema. Watson's later career as a news photographer allowed him to continue documenting Los Angeles history, bridging the gap between Hollywood's golden age and modern media. His family's story provides valuable insight into the evolution of child labor laws and professional standards in the entertainment industry.
Lasting Legacy
Delmar Watson's legacy is twofold: as a representative of early Hollywood's child actor system and as a chronicler of Los Angeles history through photography. The Watson family's collective contributions to cinema, particularly during the transition to sound, remain significant for understanding this pivotal period. Watson's personal transition from performer to observer through photography symbolizes the broader evolution of media in the 20th century. His preservation of Hollywood memories and participation in film history initiatives have helped maintain awareness of cinema's early years for subsequent generations.
Who They Inspired
While primarily known as a child actor rather than an influential performer, Watson's work as part of the Watson family influenced how studios approached casting and utilizing child actors in ensemble productions. His later career in photojournalism influenced how news photography was practiced in Los Angeles, particularly in covering entertainment industry events. Watson's preservation efforts and historical accounts have influenced how modern scholars and enthusiasts understand early Hollywood and the transition from silent to sound cinema.
Off Screen
Delmar Watson was born to Coy Watson Sr. and Edna Watson, the patriarch and matriarch of Hollywood's first family of child actors. He grew up in Los Angeles surrounded by the film industry, with all five Watson brothers pursuing acting careers. After his acting career, he married and had children, though he maintained privacy about his family life. Watson remained deeply connected to Hollywood history throughout his adult life, often speaking about early cinema and participating in film preservation efforts. His later years were spent as a respected news photographer, capturing Los Angeles history through his lens.
Education
Los Angeles public schools, self-taught photography
Family
- Virginia Watson (married 1948, until his death in 2008)
Did You Know?
- The Watson family was nicknamed 'The First Family of Hollywood' by the press
- All five Watson brothers were actors: Bobs, Coy Jr., Delmar, Garry, and Billy
- The family home in Hollywood was a gathering place for child actors and their families
- Delmar was only 3 years old when he appeared in 'Lucky Star'
- His father Coy Watson Sr. was a silent film actor and stuntman
- The Watson brothers appeared together in numerous Our Gang-type comedies
- Delmar's brother Bobs Watson became a Methodist minister after his acting career
- The family's acting career spanned from the 1910s through the 1940s
- Delmar photographed many Hollywood celebrities during his newspaper career
- He was one of the last surviving links to Hollywood's silent era
In Their Own Words
We didn't know we were making history, we were just kids having fun on movie sets
Being a Watson in Hollywood was like being a Kennedy in politics - everyone knew who we were
The transition from silent to sound was exciting for us kids - we could finally make noise on set!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Delmar Watson?
Delmar Watson was an American child actor from the famous Watson family, known as 'The First Family of Hollywood.' He appeared in numerous films during the late 1920s and 1930s, most notably in 'Lucky Star' (1929), and later became a successful news photographer for the Los Angeles Times.
What films is Delmar Watson best known for?
Delmar Watson is best known for his appearance in Frank Borzage's 'Lucky Star' (1929) starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. He also appeared in numerous other films during his child acting career, often alongside his brothers in family-oriented productions for major studios like Paramount and MGM.
When was Delmar Watson born and when did he die?
Delmar Watson was born on June 16, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on October 26, 2008, in Los Angeles at the age of 82, living through the entire history of Hollywood from the silent era to the 21st century.
What awards did Delmar Watson win?
While Delmar Watson did not receive major acting awards during his film career, he was recognized multiple times as Photographer of the Year during his tenure at the Los Angeles Times. The Watson family collectively received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star honoring their contributions to cinema.
What was Delmar Watson's acting style?
As a child actor of the silent-to-sound transition era, Watson's style emphasized naturalistic expression and emotional authenticity. Like many child actors of his generation, he relied heavily on facial expressions and body language, skills honed through extensive practice with his acting family.
How was Delmar Watson related to other Watson actors?
Delmar Watson was one of five acting brothers in the Watson family. His parents were Coy Watson Sr. and Edna Watson, and his brothers Bobs, Coy Jr., Garry, and Billy were all child actors. The family was collectively known as 'The First Family of Hollywood' for their prolific contributions to early cinema.
What did Delmar Watson do after his acting career?
After his acting career ended in his teenage years, Delmar Watson transitioned to a successful career as a news photographer, working for the Los Angeles Times for many years. He became known for his photography of Hollywood events and Los Angeles news, effectively chronicling the city he had grown up in.
Learn More
Films
1 film
