Ben Bard
Actor
About Ben Bard
Ben Bard was an American actor and drama instructor whose brief but notable career in silent films was highlighted by his appearance in the Academy Award-winning film '7th Heaven' (1927). Born Benjamin Bard in New York City, he served in World War I before pursuing an acting career in Hollywood during the silent era's final years. After his limited success as an actor, Bard transitioned to become one of Hollywood's most respected drama coaches, founding the Ben Bard Drama School which trained numerous future stars. His teaching career spanned several decades, during which he helped shape the careers of many actors who found success in both film and television. Bard was married twice to prominent actresses, first to Ruth Taylor and later to Claire Trevor, which further cemented his place in Hollywood circles. His legacy as an educator arguably surpassed his brief acting career, making him an influential figure behind the scenes of Golden Age Hollywood.
The Craft
On Screen
As a silent film actor, Bard employed the exaggerated physical expressions and gestures typical of the era, though his brief filmography limits comprehensive assessment of his technique. His performance in '7th Heaven' demonstrated the emotional intensity required in dramatic silent cinema.
Milestones
- Appeared in Academy Award-winning film '7th Heaven' (1927)
- Founded the Ben Bard Drama School in Hollywood
- Trained numerous successful actors who became stars
- Married to prominent actresses Ruth Taylor and Claire Trevor
- Served in U.S. Army during World War I
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of Hollywood's premier drama coaches of the 1930s-1950s
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Ben Bard's direct impact as an actor was minimal due to his brief career, his indirect influence on Hollywood through his drama school was substantial. As an educator, he helped shape the techniques and careers of numerous actors who would go on to contribute significantly to American cinema and television. His school represented one of the many educational institutions that emerged during Hollywood's golden age to professionalize acting training, moving it away from theatrical traditions toward more film-appropriate techniques.
Lasting Legacy
Ben Bard's lasting legacy lies not in his on-screen performances but in his contribution to actor training during Hollywood's formative decades. The Ben Bard Drama School became one of the respected institutions where aspiring actors could learn the craft specifically for film work, bridging the gap between stage acting and the more nuanced requirements of cinema. His role as an educator helped professionalize acting as a career path in Hollywood and contributed to the development of more naturalistic acting styles that would come to dominate American film.
Who They Inspired
Through his drama school, Bard influenced multiple generations of actors, helping them adapt their skills for the evolving demands of film and later television. His teaching methods emphasized practical techniques for screen performance, preparing students for the technical and artistic challenges of film acting. Many of his students went on to successful careers, carrying forward the techniques and principles they learned under his guidance.
Off Screen
Ben Bard's personal life was closely intertwined with Hollywood's elite, particularly through his marriages to two notable actresses. His first marriage to Ruth Taylor, a popular silent film star, lasted from 1925 to 1933 and produced one daughter, Barbara. After their divorce, Bard married Academy Award-winning actress Claire Trevor in 1938, though this marriage also ended in divorce in 1942. These connections to prominent actresses helped establish Bard's social standing in Hollywood circles and likely contributed to the success of his drama school.
Education
Studied at Columbia University,U.S. Army service during World War I
Family
- Ruth Taylor (1925-1933)
- Claire Trevor (1938-1942)
Did You Know?
- His most famous film '7th Heaven' won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Director
- He was one of the few silent era actors who successfully transitioned to become a respected acting coach
- His drama school operated during the height of Hollywood's studio system
- His second wife Claire Trevor won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'Key Largo' (1948)
- His first wife Ruth Taylor was a popular WAMPAS Baby Star of 1926
- He served in the U.S. Army before pursuing his entertainment career
- His acting career consisted of only one known film appearance
- His drama school was particularly known for preparing actors for both film and television work
- He was part of Hollywood's social elite through his marriages to prominent actresses
- His daughter Barbara Bard also pursued a career in entertainment
In Their Own Words
Not publicly documented in historical records
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ben Bard?
Ben Bard was an American actor and drama instructor who appeared in the silent film '7th Heaven' (1927) and later founded the respected Ben Bard Drama School in Hollywood, where he trained numerous future stars.
What films is Ben Bard best known for?
Ben Bard is primarily known for his appearance in '7th Heaven' (1927), an Academy Award-winning silent film directed by Frank Borzage. This was essentially his only known film role.
When was Ben Bard born and when did he die?
Ben Bard was born on January 26, 1898, in New York City, and died on May 17, 1974, at the age of 76.
What awards did Ben Bard win?
Ben Bard did not receive any personal acting awards or nominations, though his film '7th Heaven' won multiple Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Actress.
What was Ben Bard's acting style?
As a silent film actor, Bard employed the dramatic physical expressions and gestures typical of the era, though his brief filmography makes comprehensive assessment difficult.
Who were Ben Bard's famous spouses?
Ben Bard was married to two notable actresses: Ruth Taylor (1925-1933), a popular silent film star, and Claire Trevor (1938-1942), an Academy Award-winning actress.
What was the Ben Bard Drama School?
The Ben Bard Drama School was a respected acting school in Hollywood founded by Bard after his brief acting career, which trained numerous actors who went on to successful careers in film and television during the 1930s-1950s.
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Films
1 film
