Allen Wood
Actor
About Allen Wood
Allen Wood was a minor American actor who appeared briefly during the transition from silent films to talkies in early Hollywood. His only known film credit is in the 1930 comedy short 'The Golf Specialist,' starring the legendary W.C. Fields. Like many actors of this period, Wood's career was likely limited to bit parts and background roles as the film industry was undergoing massive technological and structural changes. The advent of sound cinema created new opportunities but also eliminated many silent film actors who couldn't adapt to the new medium. Wood's appearance in a Fields comedy suggests he was part of the studio system that produced short comedies, which were popular programming elements in theaters during this era. His career appears to have been extremely brief, spanning only the year 1930, which was not uncommon for character actors and extras during Hollywood's golden age.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in W.C. Fields' comedy short 'The Golf Specialist' (1930)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Allen Wood represents the countless anonymous performers who formed the backbone of early Hollywood cinema. While his individual contribution was minimal, actors like him were essential to creating the rich tapestry of background characters that gave classic films their authenticity and depth. His appearance in a W.C. Fields film places him within the context of one of comedy's most influential traditions, even if his role was minor.
Lasting Legacy
Allen Wood's legacy is primarily as a representative example of the transient nature of early Hollywood careers. Like many bit players of his era, he contributed to the golden age of cinema without achieving lasting fame or recognition. His single film credit serves as a reminder of the thousands of performers who passed through Hollywood during its formative years, leaving behind only brief traces in film history.
Who They Inspired
Due to the brevity and obscurity of his career, Allen Wood had no documented influence on other actors or filmmakers. His contribution remains limited to his single appearance in early cinema history.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Allen Wood's personal life, which was typical of minor character actors and bit players from early Hollywood who often worked anonymously in the studio system.
Did You Know?
- Only appeared in one known film during his entire career
- Worked during the crucial transition period from silent films to talkies
- His only film credit was alongside comedy legend W.C. Fields
- Like many early Hollywood bit players, his full name may have been used or he may have been credited differently
- Represents the typical career trajectory of many background actors in early studio system
- The Golf Specialist was one of Fields' early sound shorts, helping establish his screen persona
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Allen Wood?
Allen Wood was a minor American actor from the early sound era who appeared in only one known film, 'The Golf Specialist' (1930) starring W.C. Fields. His career was extremely brief, spanning just the year 1930, which was typical for many background actors and bit players during Hollywood's transition to sound films.
What films is Allen Wood best known for?
Allen Wood is known for only one film appearance in the 1930 comedy short 'The Golf Specialist.' This W.C. Fields vehicle was one of the comedian's early sound productions and remains his sole documented film credit.
When was Allen Wood born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Allen Wood are not documented in available film records. This lack of personal information was common for minor character actors from early Hollywood who worked primarily in background roles.
What awards did Allen Wood win?
Allen Wood did not receive any known awards or nominations during his brief acting career. As a bit player with only one film credit, he would not have been eligible for major industry recognition during his time.
What was Allen Wood's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the brevity of his career, Allen Wood's specific acting style cannot be determined. His appearance in a W.C. Fields comedy suggests he likely performed in a style appropriate to early sound comedy shorts of the era.
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Films
1 film
