The Most Famous Silent Movie Actor, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the silent movie actor you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 9, 2024 07:16
Silent film stars, with their expressive gestures and emotive eyes, once captivated audiences before the advent of spoken dialogue in cinema. However, as times change, the recognition of these pioneering actors tends to fade amidst modern cinematic advancements. Determining who stands out among them today can offer insights into the foundational artistry of film.
By casting a vote for your favored silent movie actor, you contribute to a collective memory and appreciation of these early film icons. Each vote helps to highlight the unique talents and enduring charm of these actors, ensuring their legacies are remembered and celebrated by new generations.
Who Is the Most Famous Silent Movie Actor?
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154votes
Strauss-Peyton Studio · Public domainCharlie Chaplin is he is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the silent era, and his character "The Tramp" is an iconic figure in cinema history.Charlie Chaplin in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous comedian of all time
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous actor to have ever lived
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous mime artist
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous poor person
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous homeless person
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous bow tie wearer
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233votes
Bain News Service · Public domainBuster Keaton is known for his physical comedy and stoic expression, Keaton was a master of the silent film era.Buster Keaton in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous pantomime performer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular stuntman
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person born in Kansas
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous stunt double
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328votes
Directed by Fred Newmeyer · Public domainHarold Lloyd - famous for his daredevil stunts and his character "The Glasses Guy," Lloyd was one of the most popular silent film stars of his time.Harold Lloyd in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Nebraska
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416votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainRudolph Valentino is known as the "Latin Lover," Valentino was a heartthrob of the silent era and starred in several romantic dramas. -
517votes
Screenshot by Wayne77 · Public domainLon Chaney - famous for his roles in horror films, Chaney was known for his ability to transform himself with elaborate makeup and prosthetics. -
68votes
Allan warren · CC BY-SA 3.0Douglas Fairbanks is a swashbuckling hero of the silent era, Fairbanks starred in adventure films such as "The Mark of Zorro" and "Robin Hood."Douglas Fairbanks in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Robin Hood
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713votes
Rufus Porter Moody · Public domainMary Pickford - one of the most popular actresses of the silent era, Pickford was known for her portrayals of innocent, wholesome characters.Mary Pickford is a classic cocktail that was created during the Prohibition era in the United States. It is a refreshing and fruity drink with a hint of sweetness. The cocktail is named after the famous Canadian-American silent film actress, Mary Pickford.- Primary alcohol: Rum
- Secondary alcohol: Maraschino liqueur
- Additional alcohol: Pineapple juice
- Other ingredients: Grenadine
- Glass: Cocktail
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85votes
James Abbe · Public domainGloria Swanson is a major star of the silent era, Swanson is perhaps best known for her role in the film "Sunset Boulevard." -
910votes
D.D.Teoli Jr. · Public domainClara Bow is known as the "It Girl," Bow was a popular actress in the 1920s and starred in films such as "It" and "Wings." -
104votes
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (work for hire) · Public domainGreta Garbo is a Swedish actress who became a major star in Hollywood, Garbo was known for her dramatic performances and her enigmatic persona.Greta Garbo in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous hermit
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Recluse
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous tomboy
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous old Hollywood actress
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Ranking factors for famous silent movie actor
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Popularity during the silent film eraConsider the actor's level of success and popularity during the time when silent films were at their peak, which generally spanned from the late 19th century to the late 1920s.
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Box office successAssess the actor's ability to draw audiences and generate significant box office numbers. Actors who consistently delivered successful films and attracted a wide audience are likely to rank higher.
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FilmographyEvaluate the actor's body of work, including the number of films they made, the versatility of their roles, and their contribution to the development of the silent film industry.
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Cultural impactConsider the actor's influence on popular culture and their lasting legacy. This could include their impact on future generations of actors, film techniques, or their overall contribution to the art of filmmaking.
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Critical acclaimTake into account the recognition and accolades received by the actor, both during their time and in retrospect. This may include awards, praises from critics, and accolades from film institutions.
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Longevity and post-silent era successAssess the actor's success and relevance beyond the silent film era. Actors who successfully transitioned to sound films or continued to have a significant career afterward can be given higher consideration.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous silent movie actor. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or actor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2172 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each actor once every 24 hours. The rank of each actor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous silent movie actor
Silent movies were the earliest form of motion pictures, and they were popular from the late 1800s until the 1920s. During this era, many actors became household names, thanks to their performances in silent films. While some of these actors faded into obscurity as the era passed, others remained beloved and iconic figures in cinema history.
One such actor is Charlie Chaplin, who is often hailed as the most famous silent movie actor of all time. Chaplin was known for his comedic performances, which blended slapstick humor with social commentary. His most famous character was the Tramp, a lovable but down-on-his-luck figure who appeared in many of Chaplin's films.
Other notable silent movie actors include Buster Keaton, who was known for his acrobatic stunts and deadpan humor, and Rudolph Valentino, who was known for his smoldering good looks and romantic roles. These actors and many others helped to shape the early days of cinema, and their legacies continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.
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