Frank Keenan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frank Keenan (8 April 1858 - 24 February 1929) was one of the dominant figures on stage, and a screen actor and director during the silent film era. He was among the first stage actors to star in Hollywood, and he pursued work in film features a number of years.
Contents |
[edit] Early life
Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Keenan acquired his education both there and in the East, finishing at Boston College. In New York, he became a star, a celebrated Shakespearean actor who later specialized in King Lear. He was a noted Broadway matinee idol, and his name appeared at the top of showbills. Later he acted in such contemporary hits as The Capitol, A Poor Relative and The Girl of the Golden West. At one point he briefly had his own theater, which gave him recognition as an important actor as well as director.
[edit] Career
Keenan made his screen debut under the direction of Reginald Barker in The Coward. His career lasted into his late 60s, and he was a leader in the Actors Equity Association. His last stage appearance, at 68, was as a Southern colonel in Black Velvet. In addition to his fame as an actor, he won laurels as a stage director and manager.
[edit] Family
Keenan was married for many years to Katherine Agnes Long of St. John, and she often acted with him. The Keenans had two daughters, Frances and Hilda, both of whom were successful on stage and in films. His wife Katherine died in 1924; Frank remarried 70 years old in 1928 with 40 years old actress Leah May from Augusta. From daughter Hilda he was actor Keenan Wynn's grandfather.
[edit] Filmography
[edit] Actor
- The Gilded Butterfly (1926)
- When the Door Opened (1925)
- East Lynne (1925)
- My Lady's Lips (1925)
- The Dixie Handicap (1924)
- Women Who Give (1924)
- Scars of Jealousy (1923)
- Brass (1923)
- Hearts Aflame (1923)
- Lorna Doone (1922)
- Dollar for Dollar (1920)
- Smoldering Embers (1920)
- Brothers Divided (1919)
- The False Code (1919)
- The World Aflame (1919)
- The Master Man (1919)
- Gates of Brass (1919)
- The Silver Girl (1919)
- Todd of the Times (1919)
- The Midnight Stage (1919)
- The Bells (1918)
- More Trouble (1918)
- Ruler of the Road (1918)
- Loaded Dice (1918)
- Public Defender (1917)
- The Crab (1917)
- The Bride of Hate (1917)
- The Sin Ye Do (1916)
- Jim Grimsby's Boy (1916)
- The Thoroughbred (1916)
- Honor Thy Name (1916)
- The Phantom (1916)
- The Stepping Stone (1916)
- The Despoiler (1915)
- The Long Chance (1915)
- The Coward (1915)
- Desert Thieves (1914)
- Love vs Duty (1914)
- The Bells of Asti (1914)
- The Hunchback
- The Fisherman; Or, Men Must Work and Women Must Weep (1909)
- Judge Not That Ye Be Not Judged (1909)
[edit] Director
- Dollar for Dollar (1920)
- Smoldering Embers (1920)
- Brothers Divided (1919)
- The Silver Girl (1919)
[edit] Producer
- Brothers Divided (1919)
[edit] Writer
- The World Aflame (1919)
[edit] Stageplays
- Sherlock Holmes (1928)
- Peter Weston (1923)
- Hon. John Grigsby (1902)
- At the Threshold (1905)
- Strolling Players (1905)
- The System of Dr. Tarr (1905)
- The Lady Bookie (1905)
- The Lady Across the Hall (1905)
- A Passion in the Suburb (1905)
- The Cardinal's Edict (1905)
- A Woman's Pity (1905)
- The Warrens of Virginia (1907)
[edit] Death
Keenan died of pneumonia in his Hollywood mansion, and is buried next to his wife at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
