William John Hughes, also known as Gareth Hughes, was a trailblazing actor from Wales who made a significant impact on both the Broadway and Hollywood stages. Born with a passion for acting, he began his career at a young age, first in Wales and later in London, where he joined the Welsh Players and toured America.
Despite the tour's disappointing reception, Hughes decided to stay in America and pursue his acting dreams. He went on to achieve great success on Broadway, starring in productions such as "Little Miss Llewellyn," "Change," and "The New Word," a play written by J.M. Barrie.
Hughes's most notable film role was in "Sentimental Tommy" (1921),which he considered his favorite and most successful film. He went on to make 45 films between 1918 and 1931, working with major studios like Fox and MGM. During the height of his popularity, he earned as much as $2000 a week.
However, Hughes's fortunes took a devastating blow with the 1929 Wall Street crash, leaving him penniless. Despite this setback, he continued to act in films until 1931, when he decided to leave Hollywood and return to his first love, the theater.
Hughes's last performance was in 1938, starring as Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice" at the Hollywood Playhouse and University of Michigan. He then retired from acting and devoted himself to a life of spirituality, adopting the name Brother David and becoming a missionary to the Paiute Indians on the Pyramid Lake Reservation of Nevada.
For almost 14 years, Hughes worked tirelessly among his "children," as he affectionately referred to them. He is still remembered and loved by the Paiute community as Brother David. In his later years, Hughes returned to Llanelli, Wales, but eventually returned to the US to spend his retirement at the Motion Picture Home in Woodland Hills, California.
Sadly, Hughes passed away on October 1, 1965, after a long illness. His remains are buried in the Masonic garden of remembrance in Reno, Nevada.
