Dorothy Cleveland

Actor

Active: 1918

About Dorothy Cleveland

Dorothy Cleveland was a silent film actress who had an extremely brief career in 1918, appearing primarily in Charlie Chaplin's acclaimed short film 'A Dog's Life.' As a supporting player during the golden age of silent comedy, she was part of the ensemble cast that helped bring Chaplin's vision to life. Her role in this film represents her entire known filmography, suggesting she may have been a bit player or extra who briefly worked in the burgeoning Hollywood studio system. Like many minor actors of the silent era, detailed records of her life and career are scarce, as studios typically maintained comprehensive documentation only for their star performers. Her appearance in a Chaplin film, however, places her within one of the most significant productions of early cinema history.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Charlie Chaplin's 'A Dog's Life' (1918)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • A Dog's Life (1918)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Charlie Chaplin

Studios

  • First National Pictures

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Dorothy Cleveland's contribution to cinema, while minimal, represents the collective effort of countless supporting actors who helped create the magic of early Hollywood films. Her appearance in 'A Dog's Life' places her within the context of one of Chaplin's most celebrated works, which has been preserved by the National Film Registry for its cultural significance. Like many bit players of her era, she was part of the foundation upon which the Hollywood studio system was built, contributing to films that would become classics even if her individual contribution was small.

Lasting Legacy

Dorothy Cleveland's legacy is primarily that of being a credited participant in one of Charlie Chaplin's important early works. While she did not achieve lasting fame or recognition, her name remains in the historical record as part of the cast of 'A Dog's Life,' ensuring that even the smallest contributors to early cinema are remembered. Her brief career exemplifies the transient nature of many early film careers, where countless actors appeared in only one or two films before leaving the industry.

Who They Inspired

As a minor supporting actor with only one known film credit, Dorothy Cleveland did not have a significant influence on other performers or the film industry. Her influence is limited to being part of the ensemble that helped execute Chaplin's artistic vision in 'A Dog's Life.'

Off Screen

Very little is known about Dorothy Cleveland's personal life, as was common for minor supporting actors in the silent film era who did not achieve star status.

Did You Know?

  • Her entire known filmography consists of just one film from 1918
  • She appeared in a Charlie Chaplin film during his First National Pictures period
  • Like many silent era actors, detailed biographical information about her has been lost to time
  • Her role in 'A Dog's Life' was likely uncredited or very minor
  • She represents the thousands of anonymous performers who populated early Hollywood films

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dorothy Cleveland?

Dorothy Cleveland was a silent film actress who had an extremely brief career in 1918, appearing only in Charlie Chaplin's film 'A Dog's Life.' She was a minor supporting player during the early years of Hollywood cinema.

What films is Dorothy Cleveland best known for?

Dorothy Cleveland is known exclusively for her appearance in Charlie Chaplin's 'A Dog's Life' (1918), which appears to be her only film credit.

When was Dorothy Cleveland born and when did she die?

Unfortunately, Dorothy Cleveland's birth and death dates are not known, as detailed biographical information was not preserved for minor supporting actors of the silent era.

What awards did Dorothy Cleveland win?

Dorothy Cleveland did not receive any known awards or recognition for her brief film career, as was typical for bit players and supporting actors of her time.

What was Dorothy Cleveland's acting style?

Details about Dorothy Cleveland's specific acting style are not documented, as her role in 'A Dog's Life' was likely minor and she did not have a substantial career that would have allowed critics to analyze her performance style.

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Films

1 film