William Holden

William Holden

Actor

Active: 1929

About William Holden

William Holden was a brief actor from the early sound era who appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's 1929 film 'Dynamite.' His career appears to have been extremely short-lived, with his only known credited work being this early talking picture. 'Dynamite' was notable as one of DeMille's first sound films and was released during the transitional period from silent cinema to talkies. Unfortunately, very little historical documentation exists about this particular William Holden, as his career seemingly ended as quickly as it began. He appears to be one of many actors who attempted to transition to sound films but did not achieve lasting success in the new medium. The lack of extensive records about his life and career suggests he may have been a minor character actor or extra who received minimal screen time.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's 'Dynamite' (1929)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Dynamite (1929)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Cecil B. DeMille

Studios

  • MGM

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

As an actor with an extremely brief career spanning only 1929, William Holden's cultural impact appears to have been minimal. His participation in 'Dynamite' places him within the important transitional period of Hollywood cinema when the industry was adapting to sound technology. However, his lack of subsequent film work suggests he did not become a significant figure in shaping cinema history.

Lasting Legacy

The legacy of this particular William Holden is largely obscured by time and the lack of documentation. His name is sometimes confused with the much more famous William Holden (1918-1981) who became an Oscar-winning actor in subsequent decades. This confusion further complicates efforts to establish a clear historical record for the 1929 actor.

Who They Inspired

Due to his brief career and minimal documented work, there is no evidence of significant influence on other actors or directors in the film industry.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about the personal life of this William Holden who appeared in 1929. Historical records from this early period of Hollywood are often incomplete for minor actors, and those who had brief careers frequently left minimal documentation of their lives outside of their film work.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in 'Dynamite' (1929), which was one of Cecil B. DeMille's first sound films
  • His career appears to have lasted only one year
  • Often confused with the much more famous William Holden who won an Academy Award
  • Worked during the critical transition period from silent films to talkies
  • Very little biographical information exists about this actor
  • His only known film was produced by MGM studios

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was William Holden from 1929?

William Holden was an actor who appeared in the 1929 film 'Dynamite,' directed by Cecil B. DeMille. His career appears to have been extremely brief, lasting only that single year, and very little is known about his life beyond this one film credit.

What films is William Holden (1929) best known for?

This William Holden is known only for his appearance in 'Dynamite' (1929), an early sound film directed by Cecil B. DeMille and produced by MGM studios.

Is this the same William Holden who won an Academy Award?

No, this is not the same William Holden who became a famous Oscar-winning actor. The more famous William Holden was born in 1918 and his career began in the late 1930s, making him too young to have been acting in 1929.

Why is there so little information about this actor?

Very little information exists because this William Holden had an extremely brief career and was likely a minor actor. Many actors from the early sound era who did not achieve lasting fame have limited historical documentation, and records from this period can be incomplete or lost.

What was 'Dynamite' (1929) about?

'Dynamite' was a drama directed by Cecil B. DeMille, one of his first sound films. The movie dealt with themes of marriage, divorce, and social issues, and was notable for being produced during Hollywood's transition to sound technology.

Films

1 film