Jack Wilson
Actor
About Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson was an American actor who appeared during the silent film era, with his only known film credit being the groundbreaking 1918 production 'Tarzan of the Apes.' This film, starring Elmo Lincoln as the first cinematic Tarzan, was one of the earliest feature-length adaptations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' famous character and became a significant commercial success. Wilson's role in the production appears to have been minor, as his filmography shows no other credits beyond this single appearance in 1918. Like many actors of the early silent period who appeared in only one or two films, detailed records of his life and career are scarce. The film itself was produced by National Film Corporation and was notable for being one of the first films to earn over $1 million at the box office, though Wilson's specific contribution to its success remains undocumented.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Tarzan of the Apes' (1918), one of the earliest and most successful Tarzan film adaptations
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a minor actor in one of the most influential early adventure films, Jack Wilson was part of a production that helped establish the adventure genre in cinema and launched the long-running Tarzan film franchise. While his individual contribution was likely small, the film itself was groundbreaking for its time, featuring elaborate location filming in Louisiana and pioneering special effects techniques. The success of 'Tarzan of the Apes' proved that adventure stories could be major box office draws and helped establish the template for future jungle adventure films.
Lasting Legacy
Jack Wilson represents the many anonymous actors who contributed to early cinema but left little documentation of their lives or careers. His legacy is tied to his participation in a historically significant film that helped shape the adventure genre and established one of cinema's most enduring characters. While he may not have achieved fame himself, he was part of a production that influenced countless future filmmakers and actors.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with only one known credit, Jack Wilson's direct influence on other performers is undocumented. However, his participation in 'Tarzan of the Apes' contributed to a film that influenced generations of adventure cinema and established conventions that would be followed in Tarzan films and jungle adventures for decades to come.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Jack Wilson's personal life, which is typical for minor actors from the silent era who appeared in only one film production.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in the first-ever feature-length Tarzan film adaptation
- The film he appeared in was one of the first movies to earn over $1 million at the box office
- His entire known film career consisted of a single year, 1918
- Like many early film actors, he likely worked in stage productions before or after his brief film career
- The 1918 'Tarzan of the Apes' was partially filmed on location in Louisiana, a relatively rare practice for the time
- His co-star Elmo Lincoln was the first actor to portray Tarzan on screen
- The film was so successful it spawned an immediate sequel, 'The Romance of Tarzan' (1918), though Wilson did not appear in it
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jack Wilson?
Jack Wilson was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Tarzan of the Apes' (1918). He was part of the cast of this groundbreaking adventure film but had no other documented film credits.
What films is Jack Wilson best known for?
Jack Wilson is known exclusively for his appearance in 'Tarzan of the Apes' (1918), which was the first feature-length film adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' famous character and a major box office success of its time.
When was Jack Wilson born and when did he die?
Jack Wilson's birth and death dates are not documented in available film records, which is common for minor actors from the silent era who had brief careers.
What awards did Jack Wilson win?
Jack Wilson did not receive any documented awards or nominations, which was typical for bit players and minor actors in early cinema.
What was Jack Wilson's acting style?
Jack Wilson's acting style is not documented, as he appeared in only one film and likely had a minor role. Silent era actors typically used exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion without dialogue.
Was Jack Wilson related to other famous actors named Wilson?
There is no documented relationship between Jack Wilson and other more famous actors with the Wilson surname, such as Marie Wilson or Ralph Wilson.
Why is so little known about Jack Wilson?
Limited documentation is common for minor actors from the silent era, especially those who appeared in only one or two films. Many early film records were lost, and studio archives rarely preserved detailed information about bit players.
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Films
1 film
