Joseph Frank Keaton
- Born:
- October 4, 1895, Piqua, Kansas, USA
- Died:
- February 1, 1966, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Comedian, Filmmaker, Stunt Performer, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a vaudeville family, known as "The Three Keatons."
- Began performing on stage at a very young age.
- His physical comedy was honed through early performances, sometimes involving deliberately rough handling by his parents for comedic effect.
Career and Major Achievements
- Made his film debut in 1917 with Fatty Arbuckle.
- Developed his iconic "stone face" persona, contrasting with his physically daring stunts.
- Gained significant recognition for his independent films in the 1920s.
- Signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1928, which, despite financial security, curtailed his artistic control.
- Experienced a career decline in the 1930s due to studio interference and personal struggles.
- Made a comeback later in life, appearing in various films and television shows.
Notable Works
Selected Filmography (as Actor and Director)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | One Week | The Groom |
| 1921 | The Playhouse | All Roles |
| 1922 | Cops | The Young Man |
| 1923 | Our Hospitality | Willie McKay |
| 1924 | Sherlock Jr. | The Projectionist / Sherlock Jr. |
| 1926 | The General | Johnnie Gray |
| 1928 | Steamboat Bill, Jr. | William Canning, Jr. |
Legacy and Impact
Joseph Frank Keaton, more famously known as Buster Keaton, remains an iconic figure in cinematic history. This entry serves as a concise buster keaton biography comedy films synopsis. He is celebrated for his innovative physical comedy, impressive stunts, and enduring contributions to silent film. His influence can be seen in subsequent generations of comedians and filmmakers.