Birthdate: Wednesday, May 23rd, 1883
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Died: Tuesday, December 12th, 1939
Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
Cause of death: Heart attack
Best known for: One of the earliest action heroes, a swashbuckling star of the silent era who also branched into writing and producing. He was also one of four Hollywood luminaries - along with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford (his second wife) and director D W Griffith - who set up United Artists in 1919, giving performers greater control over their careers. He was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1940, following his death.
