Lloyd Hamilton was a renowned comedian during the silent era, whose popularity has largely faded into obscurity. Born in California in 1891, Hamilton began his career as an extra in theatre productions before transitioning to films at an early age. He gained success in 1914, teaming up with Bud Duncan in Kalem's 'Ham and Bud'-series, which was one of the first permanent comedy teams produced in the movies.
Hamilton left Kalem for Fox in 1917, where he appeared on his own under the direction of Henry Lehrman and Jack White. He established 'Mermaid Comedies' in 1920, a production unit dedicated to comedy shorts. He appeared in a number of films over the next few years, including "Moonshine" and "The Simp" (both 1920),which confirmed his progression as a performer.
Hamilton's screen personality was unique, inheriting few traits from other major comedians of the time. He was tubby and baby-faced, with a character that was a childish man of personal contrasts, possessing a touch of bewilderment, irresponsibility, incredible self-assurance, and frustration. This partly tragic complexion probably made his comedy more appealing to adults than children.
By the mid-1920s, Hamilton's popularity had grown to the point where he considered establishing his own production company. He starred in his first feature-length film, "The Darker Self," a film that was a disaster and suffered a blow to his reputation. However, he produced many fine short comedies throughout the decade, such as "Move Along" (1926),"Nobody's Business" (1926),and "Somebody's Fault" (1927),most of which were directed by Norman Taurog.
Despite being amusing on-screen, Hamilton led a troublesome private life. He was a hard drinker, which severely affected his family life. He was married twice, first to actress Ethel Lloyd, and then to Irene Dalton, but both marriages ended in divorce. He was also involved in a street fight that resulted in a boxer's murder, which led to a ban from the screen.
Hamilton made a comeback in a series of two-reelers for Mack Sennett at Educational Films in 1929, this time in sound pictures. He had a good voice that suited his character perfectly, but his troubled lifestyle had begun to get the better of him. After his contract with Sennett expired, it was rumored that he would begin a new series of two-reelers for Hal Roach, but being informed of Hamilton's alcoholism, Roach refused to hire him.
Lloyd Hamilton died unemployed and ill in 1935, aged 43. Despite his brief period as a star, he was widely respected by his peers, with Charlie Chaplin, Charley Chase, and Buster Keaton all expressing admiration for his work.
