Gilbert M. Anderson

Gilbert M. Anderson

March 20, 1880 (144 years old) in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Born in 1880, ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson is considered the first western film star. He played three film roles in “The Great Train Robbery” and then began to write, direct and act in his own films. After co-founding the Essanay Studios in 1907 with George Kirk Spoor, Anderson appeared in some 300 short films. But it was his 148 western shorts playing cowboy Bronco Billy that made him a star. He retired for the first time in 1916 but made a few comebacks, including producing movies into the 1950s for his company, Progressive Pictures. He received an honorary Oscar in 1958 as a “motion picture pioneer.” Anderson came out of retirement one more time for a cameo in 1965’s “The Bounty Hunter.” He died at age of 90 1971.

Known For

The Great Train Robbery The Great Train Robbery
Smash His Camera Smash His Camera
Broncho Billy and the Land Grabber Broncho Billy and the Land Grabber
Hollywood and the Stars Hollywood and the Stars
Broncho Billy and the Greaser Broncho Billy and the Greaser

Credits