King Baggot
(11/07/1879 - 07/11/1948)
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, King Baggot went to New York City with the intention of becoming a Broadway actor. In nearby Fort Lee, New Jersey he began a film career in 1909 as an actor in silent films with Carl Laemmle at his IMP Studios.
Within two years he began writing scripts and directing, all the while becoming a major star in the U.S., Great Britain and in Europe. At a time when actors worked anonymously, Baggot and actress Florence Lawrence became the first "film stars" to be given billing, a marquis, and to be promoted in advertising.
In his 1914 two-
As a director, he gave Marie Prevost her first starring role in the 1922 romantic comedy Kissed. He also directed William S. Hart in his most famous Western film, Tumbleweeds.
Problems with certain studio executives and the advent of sound in film eventually ended his directing career and he turned to character acting roles in the 1930s and 1940s. Over his career, Baggot participated in close to three hundred motion picture projects.
He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6312 Hollywood Blvd.