ROBERT HARRON: Fame and Misfortune

Classic Images
Issue Number 453
Summer 2013

“In those days an acting career was looked down upon as rather plebeian. I remember thinking there was no future in that kind of work and I’d go and get another job. But I never did.”

A gopher/assistant for legendary D. W. Griffith before given a chance to appear in front of the camera, boyishly handsome ROBERT HARRON (1893-1920) evolved into the voiceless “Golden Boy” of the silent screen. An adorable natural who seldom fell victim to exaggerated theatrics, he earned acclaim during his brief heyday and his visage graced some of the era’s most powerful and enduring masterpieces (THE BIRTH OF A NATION, 1915), INTOLERANCE, (1916) opposite top female stars (Mary Pickford, Lillian and Dorothy Gish, Mae Marsh). Bobby grew despondent after outgrowing Griffith’s interest and leaving his beloved studio behind. He died at 27 from a self-inflicted gunshot.

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