Bert Roach, a renowned silent film comedian, commenced his illustrious career on the New York stage at the tender age of 17. In 1911, he took center stage as the headlining star of the two-act musical farce Louisiana Lou, and subsequently spent several years honing his craft as a lead tenor in various stock productions. Two years later, he made his screen debut at Keystone in the 1914 film Fatty's Magic Pants, marking the beginning of a long and storied career in front of the camera.
As a utility player, Bert racked up an impressive 350-plus acting credits, showcasing his versatility and range as a comedic actor. His signature look, which often featured an oversized Germanic moustache, made him a natural fit for silent slapstick, and he went on to appear in numerous films, including several Alice Howell vehicles at Universal in the mid-1920s.
As the era of sound began, Bert continued to work in the film industry, often playing inebriates and showcasing his ability to look scared out of his wits, as seen in the 1932 film Murders in the Rue Morgue. He also appeared in A-grade productions, such as San Francisco (1936) and The Man in the Iron Mask (1939),and was frequently cast as nameless bartenders, stagehands, drunks, and 'fat men' in various films.
In 1947, Bert joined forces with other veteran silent comics to appear in the biopic The Perils of Pauline, starring Betty Hutton, bringing his remarkable career full circle.
