Lucien Littlefield
Actor
About Lucien Littlefield
Lucien Littlefield was a prolific American character actor who appeared in over 250 films during his nearly three-decade career, spanning from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born in Texas in 1895, he began his film career in 1915 and quickly established himself as a reliable supporting player known for his distinctive bald appearance and nervous demeanor. Littlefield became a favorite collaborator of director Cecil B. DeMille, appearing in many of his epic productions including 'The Ten Commandments' and 'The King of Kings.' His ability to create memorable characters in brief screen time made him an invaluable asset to Hollywood studios, and he successfully transitioned from silent films to talkies with his expressive face and distinctive voice. Throughout his career, he worked with many of the era's biggest stars, including Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, and Charlie Chaplin. He married fellow actress Margaret Seddon in 1927, and the couple frequently appeared together in films. Littlefield continued acting until his death in 1960, leaving behind an impressive legacy as one of Hollywood's most recognizable and hardworking character actors.
The Craft
On Screen
Lucien Littlefield specialized in portraying nervous, high-strung characters with distinctive physical mannerisms and expressive facial features. His bald head and wiry frame made him instantly recognizable to audiences, and he excelled at playing easily flustered clerks, hotel managers, and other minor authority figures. In the silent era, he used exaggerated physical comedy and facial expressions to convey emotion, while in talkies, his distinctive voice and delivery style complemented his visual performance. Littlefield had a particular talent for creating memorable characters in limited screen time, often providing comic relief in dramatic productions.
Milestones
- Appeared in over 250 films during his career
- Frequent collaborator with director Cecil B. DeMille
- Successfully transitioned from silent films to talkies
- Appeared in 'The Sheik' with Rudolph Valentino
- Married actress Margaret Seddon in 1927
- Known for playing nervous, high-strung characters
- Worked with many of Hollywood's biggest stars
- Appeared in Charlie Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Prolific career spanning over 250 films
- Respected character actor in Hollywood's Golden Age
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lucien Littlefield represents the quintessential character actor of early Hollywood, the type of reliable performer who filled out casts and provided essential support to leading players. His ability to create memorable characters in brief appearances helped establish the importance of character actors in Hollywood films. His successful transition from silent films to talkies demonstrated how skilled performers could adapt to new technologies. Littlefield's work with major directors and stars helped shape the look and feel of Hollywood's golden era films, contributing to the visual language of cinema that would influence generations of filmmakers.
Lasting Legacy
Lucien Littlefield's legacy is that of one of Hollywood's most prolific and recognizable character actors. Though never a star, his face was familiar to millions of moviegoers during the silent era and early sound period. His performances in classic films like 'The Sheik' and 'The Ten Commandments' have been preserved as part of film history. He represents the army of talented supporting players who were essential to Hollywood's success but rarely received the recognition they deserved. Today, film historians and classic cinema enthusiasts recognize Littlefield as an exemplar of the craft of character acting.
Who They Inspired
While Littlefield didn't directly mentor future stars, his work ethic and versatility influenced the professional standards for character actors in Hollywood. His ability to create distinct characters in limited screen time set a standard for supporting performances that continues to influence character actors today. His successful career demonstrated the value of specialization in character types, showing how actors could build lasting careers by perfecting specific character archetypes.
Off Screen
Lucien Littlefield married actress Margaret Seddon in 1927, and they remained together until his death in 1960. The couple frequently appeared together in films and were one of Hollywood's enduring character actor couples. Littlefield was known as a reliable professional on set, always prepared and easy to work with. He lived in Los Angeles for most of his career and was active in the Hollywood community. His death marked the end of an era for character actors who had helped define early Hollywood cinema.
Family
- Margaret Seddon (1927-1960)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 250 films during his career, making him one of the most prolific actors of his era
- Was completely bald from an early age, which became his trademark appearance
- Often played nervous, high-strung characters who were easily flustered
- Worked with director Cecil B. DeMille on numerous occasions
- Married actress Margaret Seddon in 1927, and they frequently appeared together in films
- Successfully made the transition from silent films to talkies
- Appeared in films with many of the biggest stars of the era, including Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson
- Was particularly skilled at physical comedy in the silent era
- Often played clerks, hotel managers, and other minor authority figures
- Continued acting in small roles into the 1950s, though his film appearances became less frequent
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lucien Littlefield?
Lucien Littlefield was a prolific American character actor who appeared in over 250 films from the silent era through the early sound period. He was known for his bald appearance and for playing nervous, excitable characters in supporting roles, often providing comic relief in dramatic films.
What films is Lucien Littlefield best known for?
Littlefield appeared in numerous classic films including 'The Sheik' (1921) with Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments' (1923), 'The King of Kings' (1927), and Charlie Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator' (1940). He also appeared in 'The Cheat' (1915), 'Why Change Your Wife?' (1920), and 'Tumbleweeds' (1925).
When was Lucien Littlefield born and when did he die?
Lucien Littlefield was born on August 16, 1895, in San Antonio, Texas, and died on June 4, 1960, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 64.
What awards did Lucien Littlefield win?
Lucien Littlefield did not receive major awards during his career, which was common for character actors of his era. However, his prolific output and consistent work with major directors and stars demonstrated his value and respect within the industry.
What was Lucien Littlefield's acting style?
Littlefield specialized in playing nervous, high-strung characters with distinctive physical mannerisms and expressive facial features. His bald head and wiry frame made him instantly recognizable, and he excelled at portraying easily flustered clerks, hotel managers, and other minor authority figures who often provided comic relief.
Did Lucien Littlefield successfully transition from silent films to talkies?
Yes, Littlefield successfully made the transition from silent films to talkies, adapting his expressive physical comedy style to include vocal performance. His distinctive voice and delivery complemented his visual performance style, allowing him to continue working steadily through the 1930s and 1940s.
Was Lucien Littlefield married?
Yes, Lucien Littlefield married actress Margaret Seddon in 1927, and they remained together until his death in 1960. The couple frequently appeared together in films and were one of Hollywood's enduring character actor couples.
How many films did Lucien Littlefield appear in?
Lucien Littlefield appeared in over 250 films during his nearly three-decade career, making him one of the most prolific character actors of the silent and early sound era. His filmography includes work with many of Hollywood's biggest stars and most respected directors.
Learn More
Films
10 films
