Cyril Gardner, a multifaceted film professional, embarked on his acting career at the tender age of 13, showcasing his remarkable talent in the world of cinema.
Initially, his real name was Cyril Gottlieb, but as World War I loomed and anti-German sentiment began to rise in America, Gardner wisely opted to change his surname to Gardner, a move that would serve him well in the tumultuous years to come.
Throughout his acting career, Gardner delivered outstanding performances in a variety of films, including Thomas Ince's Civil War drama "The Drummer of the 8th", which premiered on May 28, 1913.
Tragedy struck Gardner's life a few years later when he contracted a skin infection that left his face severely disfigured. This life-altering event led him to shift his focus from acting to working behind the camera, where he excelled as an editor, director, and writer.
