William Gillespie
Acting
Biography
William Gillespie (24 January 1894 – 23 June 1938) was a Scottish actor. Gillespie started in Hollywood films from the silent era. He played in about 180 films between 1915 and 1939, although his appearances were often uncredited. Gillespie frequently appeared in Hal Roach comedies from 1917, usually as stuffy official or manager. He supported such "slapstick comedians" as Charlie Chaplin, Charley Chase, Our Gang, and Laurel and Hardy, but was most prolific supporting Harold Lloyd in 60 films.
Born: January 23, 1894
Place of Birth: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK
Known For
Exit Smiling
The travails of a third-rate traveling theatre company and its wardrobe lady / maid who dreams of stepping in as their melodramatic production's (Flaming Women) female lead.
Safety Last!
When a store clerk organizes a contest to climb the outside of a tall building, circumstances force him to make the perilous climb himself.
The Music Box
The Laurel & Hardy Moving Co. have a challenging job on their hands (and backs): hauling a player piano up a monumental flight of stairs to Prof. von Schwarzenhoffen's house. Their task is complicated by a sassy nursemaid and, unbeknownst to them, the impatient Prof. von Schwarzenhoffen himself. But the biggest problem is the force of gravity, which repeatedly pulls the piano back down to the bottom of the stairs.
Dodge Your Debts
A top-hatted bill collector is given the unenviable assignment of collecting the debts of a bad-tempered innkeeper.
The Immigrant
A European immigrant endures a challenging voyage only to get into trouble as soon as he arrives in New York.
Horse Shy
Despite his fear of horses, Eddie Hamilton takes part in a fox hunt, in order to impress the daughter of his host, Colonel Calhoun.
Bashful
In order to claim his inheritance, our hero must first produce a wife and family.
The Cure
An alcoholic checks into a health spa and his antics promptly throw the establishment into chaos.
Dr. Jack
Country doctor Jack Jackson is called in to treat the Sick-Little-Well-Girl, who has been making Dr. Saulsbourg and his sanitarium very rich after years of unsuccessful treatment.
Never Weaken
A young man schemes to drum up business for his girlfriend's employer but after seeing her being intimate with another man, he attempts to commit suicide.
Filmography
as Soloist in 'Little Black Sheep' (uncredited)
as Piano Salesman (uncredited)
as Billy
as Hotel manager
as Horse owner
as Gillroy Gibbs
as Jack Hastings (uncredited)
as The Great Brandenburg - Stage Magician (uncredited)
as Construction Worker (uncredited)
as Train Passenger
as Man in Quarrelsome Couple
as The Bachelor
as Medical Officer (uncredited)
as Salesman
as The New Manager
as Patent medicine salesman
as Jimmy's rival
as C.W. Lyons - Chief Postal inspector
as The Boss
as Other Driver
as French officer
as Ebben Tizzle
as Weller Pump, oil executive
as Ship's Officer (uncredited)
as John Dryden
as Fire Insurance Salesman
as Director of 'Should Husbands Work?'
as The Boss
as Aviator with False Teeth
as General Manager's Assistant (uncredited)
as Card Player (uncredited)
as Prison guard
as Abe Silverstein - Film producer
as A Fireman
as The Doctor (uncredited)
as Pub Patron
as Brother-in-Law (uncredited)
as Hard-Boiled Party
as The Child's Daddy (uncredited)
as Cop (uncredited)
as Dope Fiend (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as The Lawyer (uncredited)
as Courtier
as Cop
as (uncredited)
as Elmer - the faithless husband
as Actor
as Band leader
as The Photographer (uncredited)
as Cop / Violinist
as Violinist (uncredited)
as Patient (uncredited)