Biography of Harry Kerrigan:
Harry Kerrigan, a renowned American silent film star, stunned the entertainment world by leaving the industry at the peak of his career. His remarkable journey began when he was still a teenager, working as a warehouse clerk until a chance opportunity arose to perform in a vaudeville production. He continued to hone his craft in traveling stock productions, taking a brief hiatus to attend the University of Illinois.
As he entered his thirties, Kerrigan began to make appearances in films for Essanay and Biograph. A contract with the American Film Corporation soon led to leading roles, often portraying a well-dressed and elegant man-about-town. Universal Pictures lured him with a lucrative deal, and he rapidly rose to stardom, becoming a household name.
However, a glib remark about his refusal to enlist in the American army after the United States' entry into World War I sparked a backlash, losing him the sympathy of audiences and the support of the studios. As a result, he began to work less frequently and for smaller studios.
Director James Cruze's casting of Kerrigan as the rugged lead in The Covered Wagon (1923) marked a turning point in his career, and he went on to appear in dashing leads in several prominent films. Yet, within a year, he made the shocking decision to abandon his film career at its zenith.
With his stardom came the freedom to live life on his own terms, and Kerrigan chose to do just that, living out the rest of his life without working. Rumor has it that he made a few small appearances in supporting roles before his passing in June 1947.
