Stephen Chase
Actor
About Stephen Chase
Stephen Chase was an American actor who worked primarily during the mid-1930s in Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in supporting roles in Western films, with his known filmography spanning from 1935 to 1938. His first documented appearance was in 'The Cowboy Millionaire' (1935), where he played a supporting character in this early Western production. Chase's most notable film appearance was in 'Under Western Stars' (1938), which was significant as it marked Roy Rogers' first starring role for Republic Pictures. Like many character actors of the era, Chase specialized in Western genres and likely played various roles such as ranch hands, townsmen, or minor antagonists. His career appears to have been relatively brief, with only a handful of documented film credits during this three-year period. The limited documentation of his work suggests he may have been a bit player or contract actor who moved between studios or eventually left the film industry.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Cowboy Millionaire' (1935)
- Supporting role in 'Under Western Stars' (1938)
- Worked during the Golden Age of Hollywood Westerns
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Stephen Chase represents the numerous character actors who formed the backbone of Hollywood's studio system during the 1930s. While not achieving major stardom, actors like Chase were essential to the production of the hundreds of Western films that dominated popular cinema during this era. His participation in 'Under Western Stars' connects him to the early career of Roy Rogers, who would become one of the most iconic Western stars of all time. Chase and actors like him contributed to the mythologizing of the American West that was central to 1930s popular culture.
Lasting Legacy
Stephen Chase's legacy is primarily preserved through his film appearances, which serve as historical artifacts of 1930s Hollywood Western productions. Like many supporting actors of his era, his work provides insight into the studio system's reliance on reliable character actors to populate their films. His brief filmography represents the thousands of actors who had relatively short careers but contributed significantly to the Golden Age of Hollywood's output.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor with a brief documented career, Stephen Chase's direct influence on other performers is not well-documented. However, he represents the type of working actor who helped establish the conventions and character archetypes that would define the Western genre for decades to come.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Stephen Chase's personal life, which was common for many supporting actors of the 1930s who did not achieve star status.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'Under Western Stars' (1938), Roy Rogers' first starring film for Republic Pictures
- His documented film career spanned only three years (1935-1938)
- Like many character actors of the 1930s, biographical information about him is scarce
- Primarily worked in Western films during Hollywood's Golden Age
- His filmography represents the typical output of a contract player during the studio era
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Stephen Chase?
Stephen Chase was an American actor who worked primarily in Western films during the mid-1930s, appearing in supporting roles in productions like 'The Cowboy Millionaire' (1935) and 'Under Western Stars' (1938).
What films is Stephen Chase best known for?
Stephen Chase is documented to have appeared in 'The Cowboy Millionaire' (1935) and 'Under Western Stars' (1938), with the latter being notable as Roy Rogers' first starring film for Republic Pictures.
When was Stephen Chase born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Stephen Chase are not well-documented, which was common for many supporting actors of the 1930s who did not achieve major stardom.
What awards did Stephen Chase win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for Stephen Chase, which was typical for character actors working in supporting roles during this period.
What was Stephen Chase's acting style?
While specific details about Stephen Chase's acting style are not documented, as a Western film actor of the 1930s, he likely employed the straightforward, pragmatic acting style typical of the genre during Hollywood's Golden Age.
Did Stephen Chase work with any famous actors?
Stephen Chase appeared in 'Under Western Stars' (1938), which starred Roy Rogers in his first leading role for Republic Pictures, connecting him to one of the most iconic Western stars of all time.
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Films
2 films
