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Florence Lawrence is the first movie star.
In 1909, known only by the title given by the studio, "The Biograph Girl" is the most famous performer in Hollywood. Read about her interesting life here: https://silentology.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/the-biograph-girl-the-career-of-early-star-florence-lawrence/ She committed suicide in 1936 after contracting an incurable bone marrow disease. -
Charlie Chaplin, Mega Star, Writes His Own Ticket
Actors were typically dominated by their producers and/or studio. Chaplin broke free from those constraints as master of his own destiny. In 1918, even before making any feature films, his guarantee from First National (studio) was $1,000,000. He went on to form United Artists with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, producing his own movies (and sometimes composing the music) and owned his own intellectual property. His net worth at time of death was approx $450 million in 1977. -
Buster Keaton, Comic Disaster Artist, Steers his Own Ship
Buster Keaton, a seasoned live performer, acts in his first film. He shot to worldwide fame for his deadpan expressions and death-defying, comedic stunts. He dominated the box office, along with Chaplin until Hollywood synced up sound to its moving pictures. Unlike Chaplin, Keaton rarely had complete control when making his films except when making his masterpiece, The General. Under-appreciated until art connoisseurs rediscovered him in the 1980's, he died being appreciated for his artistry. -
END OF THE SILENT ERA.
The Jazz Singer changed the industry forever.