Robert Gorham

Actor

Active: 1920

About Robert Gorham

Robert Gorham was an American actor who appeared during the silent film era in the early 1920s. His known filmography consists of a single appearance in the controversial 1920 drama 'Sex,' directed by Fred Niblo and starring Louise Glaum. The film was considered quite provocative for its time, dealing with themes of morality and sexuality that were rare in mainstream cinema of the period. Gorham's role in this production represents his entire documented film career, suggesting he may have been either a bit player who transitioned out of acting or someone who pursued acting only briefly. Like many performers from the silent era who appeared in only one or two films, detailed biographical information about Gorham is scarce, and he remains one of the many forgotten faces of early Hollywood. His brief appearance in such a notable and controversial film makes him an interesting footnote in cinema history, representing the countless supporting players who contributed to the golden age of silent film.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in the controversial 1920 film 'Sex' directed by Fred Niblo

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Sex (1920)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Fred Niblo (director)
  • Louise Glaum (co-star)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Robert Gorham's cultural impact is minimal due to his brief film career, consisting of only one known appearance. However, his participation in the controversial 1920 film 'Sex' places him within the context of early Hollywood's exploration of more mature themes. The film itself was notable for pushing boundaries of what was considered acceptable content in mainstream cinema during the early 1920s, and Gorham, as one of its cast members, contributed to this moment in film history, however small his role may have been.

Lasting Legacy

Robert Gorham's legacy is that of a typical supporting player from the silent era - a brief appearance in a notable film followed by obscurity. He represents the thousands of actors who populated early Hollywood films but whose names and careers have been largely lost to history. His only known credit in the controversial film 'Sex' makes him a footnote in the history of censorship and moral debates in early American cinema, though his individual contribution was likely minor.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely brief film career, Robert Gorham had no discernible influence on other actors or directors. He appears to have been a bit player or extra who did not continue in the film industry beyond his single known appearance.

Off Screen

Very little is known about Robert Gorham's personal life, as he appeared in only one film and did not achieve lasting fame in the film industry. Like many bit players from the silent era, detailed personal records are scarce or lost to time.

Did You Know?

  • Robert Gorham's entire known film career consists of one appearance in the 1920 film 'Sex'
  • The film 'Sex' was considered highly controversial for its time and faced censorship challenges
  • Director Fred Niblo would later go on to direct major silent films like 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) and 'Ben-Hur' (1925)
  • Star Louise Glaum was known as 'The Spider Woman' for her roles as a vamp
  • The film 'Sex' is now considered lost, with no known surviving copies
  • Many actors from the silent era with brief careers like Gorham's have little to no biographical information available
  • The film's provocative title and content made it a target of moral reformers of the era

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Robert Gorham?

Robert Gorham was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, the controversial 1920 drama 'Sex.' Very little is known about his life or career beyond this single credit.

What films is Robert Gorham best known for?

Robert Gorham is known only for his appearance in the 1920 film 'Sex,' directed by Fred Niblo and starring Louise Glaum. This appears to be his only film credit.

When was Robert Gorham born and when did he die?

The birth and death dates of Robert Gorham are not documented in available historical records, which is common for bit players from the silent era who had brief careers.

What awards did Robert Gorham win?

Robert Gorham did not receive any known awards or nominations for his brief film work, which consisted of a single appearance in 1920.

What was Robert Gorham's acting style?

Given that Robert Gorham appeared in only one film and likely in a minor role, there is no documented information about his specific acting style or technique.

Why is Robert Gorham significant in film history?

Robert Gorham is primarily significant as an example of the many supporting players who populated early Hollywood films but have been largely forgotten. His appearance in the controversial film 'Sex' places him within the context of early cinema's exploration of mature themes.

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Films

1 film