H. B. Warner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
H. B. Warner
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Film Fun, 1919
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| Born |
Henry Byron Lickfold
26 October 1876 St John's Wood, London, UK
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| Died | 21 December 1958 (aged 82) |
| Resting place | Chapel of the Pines Crematory, Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1896–1958 |
| Spouse(s) |
Mrs. Fred R. Hamlin
(m. 1907; died 1914)Rita Stanwood
(m. 1915; div. 1933) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) |
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Henry Byron Warner, born Henry Byron Lickfold (October 26, 1876 – December 21, 1958), was a famous English actor. He starred in many films and plays. He was very popular during the silent film era, which was a time before movies had sound. One of his most famous roles was playing Jesus Christ in the movie The King of Kings.
Later in his career, H. B. Warner became known for playing important supporting roles. He worked with the famous director Frank Capra on several films. Many people today recognize him as Mr. Gower from the classic movie It's a Wonderful Life. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Chang in the 1937 film Lost Horizon.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Where Did H. B. Warner Grow Up?
Henry Warner was born in St John's Wood, London, England, in 1876. He went to Bedford School for his education. His father, Charles Warner, was also an actor. Even though Henry first thought about becoming a doctor, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become an actor. He had an older sister, Grace Warner, who was also a stage actress.
When Did H. B. Warner Start Acting?
H. B. Warner made his first appearance on stage when he was 21 years old in a play called It's Never Too Late to Mend. He acted in several plays in England before moving to the United States in 1905. He performed in many plays on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. Some of his Broadway shows included Silence (1924) and You and I (1922).
H. B. Warner's Film Career
Silent Film Star to Supporting Roles
H. B. Warner started his film career in 1914 with a silent film called The Lost Paradise. During the silent film era, he often played the main characters. His biggest success was playing Jesus in Cecil B. DeMille's huge silent movie The King of Kings in 1927. Critics really liked his performance in this role.
When movies started having sound, H. B. Warner began taking on supporting roles instead of lead roles, partly because he was getting older. He often played wise or respected characters in movies from the 1930s and 1940s. For example, he played the Heavenly Magistrate in Liliom (1930) and a strict judge in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936).
Notable Film Appearances
One of his most famous roles was Chang in the 1937 film Lost Horizon, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He also appeared in other well-known films like You Can't Take It With You (1938) and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939).
In the beloved 1946 movie It's a Wonderful Life, he played Mr. Gower, a kind but troubled pharmacist. He also had a small appearance in the classic film Sunset Boulevard (1950), where he played himself playing cards with other famous silent film stars like Buster Keaton. His very last film role was a brief appearance in Darby's Rangers (1958).
Personal Life and Legacy
H. B. Warner's Family Life
H. B. Warner was married two times. His first wife, Mrs. F. R. Hamlin, passed away in 1914. He then married Marguerite L. "Rita" Stanwood in 1915, and they were married until 1933.
Where is H. B. Warner Remembered?
H. B. Warner passed away in Los Angeles, California, on December 21, 1958, from a heart attack. He is buried in a private vault at the Chapel of the Pines Crematory in Los Angeles.
For all his important work in movies, H. B. Warner has a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find it at 6600 Hollywood Boulevard.
Images for kids
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Warner, 1920
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In the 1916 silent drama The Beggar of Cawnpore, Warner portrayed a British army doctor in India.
See also
- List of actors with Academy Award nominations
