Ford Sterling
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Born Name:
George Franklin Stich
Born Date: November 3, 1883
Born Place: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Died Date: October 13, 1939
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Comedian, actor
Brief Biography: Ford Sterling was globally renowned as the original chief of the Keystone Cops. As the top star for Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios, his "fantabulous" brand of slapstick paved the way for legends like Charlie Chaplin.
Early Life and Career:
Sterling left his middle-class Chicago upbringing at age 18 to run away with the circus, where he worked as an aerobatic clown. He developed his vast performing talents across vaudeville, burlesque, and Shakespearean theater before taking his talents to the nascent movie industry.
The Keystone Cops Era:
Sterling began his film career with the Biograph Company in 1911. When director Mack Sennett formed the Keystone Film Company in 1912, Sterling followed him and quickly became the principal comedian and the most popular star on the lot.
The Keystone Cops: He famously spearheaded this bumbling squad of policemen, known for their madcap chases and destruction.
Sterling's Style: He often hid his handsome real-life features behind a goatee, oversized glasses, and fake eyebrows to create an iconic comedic persona.
Charlie Chaplin: Upon joining Keystone, Chaplin even modeled his early on-screen antics on Sterling's highly successful slapstick techniques.
Later Life and Legacy:
After a contract dispute with Sennett in 1914, Sterling left Keystone to start his own production company, eventually starring in and directing numerous comedy shorts. As short comedies faded and the industry evolved, Sterling smoothly transitioned into talking pictures, playing both comedic and dramatic character roles.
Film Count: He made over 270 film appearances throughout his career, with his final credited role arriving in 1936.
Other Talents: Outside of acting, Sterling was a world-class amateur photographer, winning prizes and even having his art exhibited at the Louvre in 1924.
Born Date: November 3, 1883
Born Place: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Died Date: October 13, 1939
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Comedian, actor
Brief Biography: Ford Sterling was globally renowned as the original chief of the Keystone Cops. As the top star for Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios, his "fantabulous" brand of slapstick paved the way for legends like Charlie Chaplin.
Early Life and Career:
Sterling left his middle-class Chicago upbringing at age 18 to run away with the circus, where he worked as an aerobatic clown. He developed his vast performing talents across vaudeville, burlesque, and Shakespearean theater before taking his talents to the nascent movie industry.
The Keystone Cops Era:
Sterling began his film career with the Biograph Company in 1911. When director Mack Sennett formed the Keystone Film Company in 1912, Sterling followed him and quickly became the principal comedian and the most popular star on the lot.
The Keystone Cops: He famously spearheaded this bumbling squad of policemen, known for their madcap chases and destruction.
Sterling's Style: He often hid his handsome real-life features behind a goatee, oversized glasses, and fake eyebrows to create an iconic comedic persona.
Charlie Chaplin: Upon joining Keystone, Chaplin even modeled his early on-screen antics on Sterling's highly successful slapstick techniques.
Later Life and Legacy:
After a contract dispute with Sennett in 1914, Sterling left Keystone to start his own production company, eventually starring in and directing numerous comedy shorts. As short comedies faded and the industry evolved, Sterling smoothly transitioned into talking pictures, playing both comedic and dramatic character roles.
Film Count: He made over 270 film appearances throughout his career, with his final credited role arriving in 1936.
Other Talents: Outside of acting, Sterling was a world-class amateur photographer, winning prizes and even having his art exhibited at the Louvre in 1924.