William S. Hart was a legendary figure, a true screen cowboy and a hero of the silver screen, known for his unwavering honesty and forthrightness, even when he played the role of a villain.
He began his life in the Dakota Territory, where he spent some time, before moving to New York City, where he worked as a postal clerk.
In 1888, Hart discovered his passion for acting, and he went on to create the iconic role of Messala in the 1899 production of "Ben-Hur", receiving rave reviews for his lead performance in "The Virginian" in 1907.
His first film, a two-reeler titled "His Hour of Manhood", was released in 1914, and in 1915, he signed a contract with Thomas H. Ince and joined Ince's Triangle Film Company.
Two years later, Hart followed Ince to Famous Players-Lasky, where he secured a very lucrative contract from Adolph Zukor.
However, his career began to decline in the early 1920s due to the negative publicity surrounding a paternity suit filed against him, which was eventually dismissed.
Despite this, Hart continued to make films, including "Tumbleweeds" in 1925, for United Artists, before retiring to a ranch in Newhall, California.
By the time of his retirement, audiences had shifted their attention to the antics of Tom Mix and Hoot Gibson, leaving Hart's Victorian moralizing behind.
Today, Hart is remembered as a pioneering figure in the film industry, and he is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, New York.
