Alec B. Francis Explained

Alec B. Francis
Birth Name:Alec Francis Budd
Birth Date:2 December 1867
Birth Place:Suffolk, England
Death Place:Hollywood, California, United States
Yearsactive:1911–1934
Known For:Actor
Spouse:Lucy Smith Bower (m. 1923)

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 more than 240 films between 1911 and 1934.

Biography

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

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. He also performed in vaudeville.[3]

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.

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.

Francis died in Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood, California, on 6 July 1934,[4] three days after emergency abdominal surgery.[5] His funeral was held at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, and his remains cremated.[6]

Selected filmography

Notes and References

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