Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle American silent film actor, comedian, director and screenwriter. Date of Birth: 24.03.1887 Country: USA

1. Biography of Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle
2. Early Career and Rise to Fame
3. Scandal and Career Decline
4. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle

Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle, also known as Fatty Arbuckle, was an American silent film actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter. He was born on March 24, 1887, in Kansas. Arbuckle began his acting career on the theatrical stage at the age of 15. He started working at the Selig Polyscope Company studio and later moved to Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios, where he co-starred with Harold Lloyd and Mabel Normand.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Despite his weight, Arbuckle was surprisingly agile, earning him the nickname "Fatty." He quickly mastered the art of comedy and appeared in 29 films in 1913 and 46 films in 1914. During the 1910s, he became one of the most popular stars of silent cinema, and in 1918, he became the highest-paid actor by signing a contract for $1 million per year. By this time, he was already a major celebrity and served as a mentor to Charlie Chaplin, helping him achieve success. Arbuckle also supported and mentored Buster Keaton and later Bob Hope.

Scandal and Career Decline

In 1920 and 1921, Arbuckle directed nine feature films for the Paramount studio. However, his career took a drastic turn in 1921 when a young actress named Virginia Rappe unexpectedly died after a party at his home. Arbuckle was falsely accused of rape and unintentional manslaughter, and the media sensationalized the case. His films were banned, his career faded, and he was publicly humiliated. Although he was acquitted by a jury and received a written apology, the scandal overshadowed his contributions as one of the pioneers of silent film comedy.

Later Years and Legacy

Unable to appear on screen, Arbuckle continued to make films as a director under the pseudonym William Goodrich. In 1932, when the ban on screening his films was finally lifted, he returned to the screen in six successful sound short films produced by Warner Brothers. On June 29, 1933, Arbuckle signed a new contract with Warner Brothers to shoot a full-length feature film. He referred to this day as the happiest day of his life during an interview with journalists. However, he tragically passed away from a heart attack that same night at the age of 46.