Alec B. Francis

Alec B. Francis (born Alec Francis Budd, 2 December 1867 – 6 July 1934) was an English actor, largely of the silent era.[1] He appeared in 241 films between 1911 and 1934.

Alec B. Francis
Francis in 1916
Born
Alec Francis Budd

(1867-12-02)2 December 1867
Suffolk, England
Died6 July 1934(1934-07-06) (aged 66)
Hollywood, California, United States
Years active1911–1934
Known forActor
Spouse(s)Lucy Smith Bower (1923–1934; his death)

Biography

Francis was born in Suffolk, England.[2] He studied law at Uppingham College in England and practiced with a legal firm in London.[3]

Disliking legal work, Francis joined a stock theater company for which he played bit parts, and was baggage master and property man. He eventually came under contract with a touring company headed by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Kendall, acting in leading roles in England, India, South Africa, and the United States.[3] He also performed in vaudeville.[4]

Francis served twice in the military, once for Britain and once for the United States. He was in India for a four-year tour of duty with the British Royal Horse Artillery, and He was a nurse with American forces during the Spanish-American War.[3]

Although Francis tried farming after his service as a nurse, he returned to acting and appeared in some plays, including musical productions in which he sang as a baritone. He began acting in films in 1913 and worked for Vitagraph, World, and other film studios.[3]

Francis died in Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood, California, on July 6, 1934,[3] three days after emergency abdominal surgery.[5] His funeral was held at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, and his remains cremated.[6]

Theodora Fitzgerald and her father Captain Fitzgerald (played by Gloria Swanson and Alec B. Francis) talk to Lord Hector Bracondale (Rudolf Valentino) in a scene still for the 1922 silent drama Beyond the Rocks.

Selected filmography

References
  1. Katchmer, George A. (20 May 2015). A Biographical Dictionary of Silent Film Western Actors and Actresses. McFarland. ISBN 9781476609058.
  2. Ellenberger, Allan R. (May 2001). Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries: A Directory. McFarland. p. 50. ISBN 978-0-7864-0983-9. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  3. "Alec B. Francis, film actor, dead". The New York Times. Associated Press. 7 July 1934. p. 13. Retrieved 26 December 2020 – via ProQuest.
  4. "Alec B. Francis". The Moving Picture World: 57. 3 January 1914. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  5. "Alec B. Francis, Film Actor, Dies". Brooklyn Times Union. 6 July 1934. p. 2.
  6. "Funeral Rites for Film Pair Set For Today". Los Angeles Times. 9 July 1934. p. 21.
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