Billy Condon
Actor
About Billy Condon
Billy Condon was a child actor who appeared briefly in the Hal Roach Our Gang comedy series during its inaugural year in 1922. As one of the original cast members during the silent era, he participated in the early formation of what would become one of the most beloved comedy series in film history. His tenure with the series was extremely brief, lasting only through 1922, which was typical for many child actors in the early Our Gang days who would appear in just a few shorts before being replaced by new young talent. Condon was part of the transitional period when Hal Roach was still experimenting with the format and cast of his children's comedy series. Like many early Our Gang performers, his contributions were largely forgotten as the series evolved and became more famous with later, more recognizable child stars. His brief appearance represents the ephemeral nature of child stardom in early Hollywood, where young performers would often have momentary screen presence before returning to normal childhood lives.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the inaugural year of the Our Gang comedy series
- Participated in early silent era Hal Roach productions
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Billy Condon's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, represents the foundation of what would become the iconic Our Gang/Little Rascals series. As one of the early cast members during the series' experimental first year, he was part of establishing the template for children's comedy that would influence generations of family entertainment. His brief appearance exemplifies how the series evolved through constant casting changes to find the perfect chemistry that would later make the show famous.
Lasting Legacy
Billy Condon's legacy is primarily as one of the forgotten pioneers of the Our Gang series, representing the many child actors who contributed to early Hollywood but were largely lost to history. His brief appearance in 1922 marks him as part of the foundational cast of what would become one of the most enduring comedy franchises in American cinema. While his individual contributions were minimal, he was part of the early experimentation that led to the successful formula that would entertain audiences for decades.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely brief career, Billy Condon had minimal direct influence on other performers or filmmakers. However, as part of the early Our Gang cast, he contributed to the development of a format that would influence countless children's entertainment programs and comedy series that followed. The Our Gang series itself became a template for ensemble children's comedy that has been emulated throughout film and television history.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Billy Condon's personal life, which was typical for many child actors from the silent era who appeared in only a handful of films before returning to private life. Like many early Our Gang performers, he likely resumed normal childhood activities after his brief film career ended.
Did You Know?
- Billy Condon was active only during 1922, making him one of the shortest-tenured Our Gang cast members
- He appeared during the silent era of Our Gang, before the series transitioned to sound
- Like many early Our Gang performers, he was part of the series when it was still finding its identity
- His brief career exemplifies the transient nature of child stardom in early Hollywood
- Information about his specific appearances in Our Gang shorts is scarce due to limited documentation of early cast members
- He was part of Hal Roach Studios' early experimentation with children's comedy programming
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Billy Condon?
Billy Condon was a child actor who appeared briefly in the Our Gang comedy series in 1922 during its inaugural year. He was one of the early cast members during the silent era of Hal Roach's famous children's comedy series.
What films is Billy Condon best known for?
Billy Condon is known only for his brief appearances in the 1922 Our Gang comedy shorts. His filmography consists solely of his work during that single year with the Hal Roach series.
When was Billy Condon born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Billy Condon are not documented, which was common for many child actors from the silent era who had very brief careers and returned to private life.
What awards did Billy Condon win?
Billy Condon did not receive any known awards or recognition for his brief acting career, which was typical for most child actors in early Our Gang shorts.
What was Billy Condon's acting style?
Due to the lack of surviving documentation and films from his brief 1922 appearances, Billy Condon's specific acting style and techniques are not known. He was part of the early experimental phase of the Our Gang series.
Why was Billy Condon's career so short?
Billy Condon's career lasted only through 1922, which was typical for many early Our Gang child actors who would appear in just a few shorts before being replaced by new young talent as the series evolved and experimented with different cast combinations.
Films
1 film
