Lee Barnes
Actor
About Lee Barnes
Lee Barnes was an American actor during the silent film era who appeared in the 1927 Buster Keaton comedy 'College.' His career was exceptionally brief, with film records indicating only a single credited role to his name. As was common with many supporting actors of the silent period, little documentation exists about his life or career trajectory beyond this one notable appearance. His role in 'College' came during the peak of the silent era, just as the transition to sound films was beginning to reshape Hollywood. Like many character actors of his generation, the advent of talkies may have contributed to the abrupt end of his screen career. His legacy exists primarily through his participation in what has become a classic Buster Keaton film that continues to be studied and appreciated by silent film enthusiasts.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Buster Keaton's classic comedy 'College' (1927)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lee Barnes' contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, represents the collective effort of countless supporting actors who helped create the magic of Hollywood's golden age. His appearance in 'College' places him within the context of one of Buster Keaton's most celebrated works, ensuring that his name survives in film history through association with this classic comedy. The film itself has become an important artifact of silent cinema, studied for its innovative physical comedy and Keaton's masterful performance, with Barnes being part of the ensemble that brought this vision to life.
Lasting Legacy
Lee Barnes' legacy is that of a typical supporting actor from the silent era - a brief but meaningful contribution to classic cinema that survives primarily through the preservation of the films in which he appeared. His name endures in film databases and cast lists, serving as a reminder of the many talented individuals who contributed to Hollywood's early years despite never achieving stardom.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with only one known film credit, Lee Barnes did not have a significant influence on other performers or filmmakers. His influence exists only through his participation in a film that has influenced generations of comedians and filmmakers who have studied Buster Keaton's work.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Lee Barnes' personal life, as was common with many bit players and supporting actors from the silent film era who did not achieve lasting fame.
Did You Know?
- Lee Barnes' entire known film career consists of a single movie appearance in 1927
- He appeared in 'College' during the final years of the silent film era
- The film 'College' was one of Buster Keaton's last great silent comedies before his career decline
- Like many supporting actors of the silent era, Barnes' career may have ended with the transition to sound films
- His role in 'College' places him in the company of one of cinema's greatest physical comedians
- The film 'College' has been preserved by the National Film Registry for its cultural significance
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lee Barnes?
Lee Barnes was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, the 1927 Buster Keaton comedy 'College.' His career was extremely brief, spanning just the year 1927, and little is known about his life beyond this single film credit.
What films is Lee Barnes best known for?
Lee Barnes is known exclusively for his appearance in the 1927 Buster Keaton comedy 'College.' This film, in which he had a supporting role, is his only documented film credit and has become a classic of silent cinema.
When was Lee Barnes born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Lee Barnes are not documented in available historical records, which was common for many supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve lasting fame.
What awards did Lee Barnes win?
Lee Barnes did not receive any known awards or nominations for his work in film. As a minor actor with only one credited role, he was not recognized during his lifetime for his contributions to cinema.
What was Lee Barnes' acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the fact that he appeared in only one film, specific details about Lee Barnes' acting style are not known. As a supporting actor in a Buster Keaton comedy, he likely contributed to the film's physical comedy ensemble.
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Films
1 film
