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William Courtright | |
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 Courtright (right) in still fromThe Tough Guy (1926) | |
| Born | Theodore Courtright (1848-03-10)March 10, 1848 |
| Died | March 6, 1933(1933-03-06) (aged 84) Ione, California, US |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1912-1930 |
William Courtright (February 10, 1848 – March 6, 1933)[1] was an American film actor.
He was bornTheodore Courtright inNew Milford, Illinois, and was educated in the public schools ofIone, California.[1] When he was 16, he ran away from home to join astock theater company.[2]
Courtright's acting career began with Shakespearean plays, as he worked withLawrence Barrett.[3] Before entering the film industry, he appeared inminstrel shows.[1] He made a world tour as a minstrel, with the tour's activities including performing before King Edward VII.[3]
Sometimes billed asBilly Courtright,[1] he appeared in 68 films between 1912 and 1930. He worked withD. W. Griffith and in his later career at theHal Roach Studios, where he appeared in several earlyLaurel and Hardy comedies.
Courtright was still acting at age 80. An item in the October 28, 1928, edition ofThe Cincinnati Enquirer described him as "the oldest living motion-picture actor on the screen ..."[4]
His best-known role wasOliver Hardy's wealthy Uncle Bernal inThat's My Wife (1929). His last film, theOur Gang comedyTeacher's Pet, was also his first sound film. This probably makes him one of the earliest born actors to appear in a sound film.
In 1873, Courtright married actressJennie Lee, and they worked together in vaudeville for 12 years as Courtright and Lee.[5] They also appeared together inIntolerance. Courtright died in Ione, California.
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