Joe Keaton

Joe Keaton and his wife, Myra, were a talented yet unremarkable vaudeville duo in the early 20th century, with Joe's rowdy and unpredictable stage presence being a major draw. Their young son, Buster, joined the act at a remarkably early age, often finding himself at the center of the action, literally being tossed around on stage. As the years went by, Joe's reckless behavior and increasing reliance on alcohol began to take a toll on the family, leading Buster to eventually leave the act during his teenage years. However, once Buster's career in silent film took off, he made sure to include his father in several movie roles, albeit in relatively minor capacities. Tragically, Joe's tumultuous relationship with Myra ultimately ended in divorce, with Myra finally finding the courage to escape the verbal and physical abuse she had endured for so long. Joe spent the remainder of his years living alone in a Hollywood hotel, reportedly finding solace in the teachings of Christian Science and eventually quitting his drinking habit. According to Buster, Joe met a tragic end, being struck and killed by a passing car, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of a life marked by reckless behavior.