Gilbert M. Anderson
Born in 1880, ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson is considered the first western film star. He played three film roles in “The Great Train Robbery” and then began to write, direct and act in his own films. After co-founding the Essanay Studios in 1907 with George Kirk Spoor, Anderson appeared in some 300 short films. But it was his 148 western shorts playing cowboy Bronco Billy that made him a star. He retired for the first time in 1916 but made a few comebacks, including producing movies into the 1950s for his company, Progressive Pictures. He received an honorary Oscar in 1958 as a “motion picture pioneer.” Anderson came out of retirement one more time for a cameo in 1965’s “The Bounty Hunter.” He died at age of 90 1971.
152
Films
0
TV Shows
164
Crew Credits
Known For
152 Credits
His Regeneration
as The Regenerate
1915
The Champion
as Enthusiastic Fan (uncredited)
1915
Outwitting Papa
as Tom Phelps
1911
Tag Day
1909
The Great Train Robbery
as Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)
1903
The Bounty Killer
as The Man in the Cantina
1965
The Legend of Rudolph Valentino
as Self (archive footage)
1961
Life with Henry
as Business Man (uncredited)
1941
Red Riding Hood of the Hills
as Broncho Billy
1914
The Redemption of Broncho Billy
as Broncho Billy
1914
An Indian's Friendship
as Broncho Billy
1912
The Film Parade
as (archive footage) (uncredited)
1933
Behind the Camera
164 CreditsHis Regeneration
Director, Writer, Producer
1915
Mr. Flip
Director
1909
Outwitting Papa
Director
1911
Tag Day
Director
1909
Mud and Sand
Producer
1922
Red Riding Hood of the Hills
Director, Writer, Producer
1914
A Disastrous Flirtation
Director
1908
The Lucky Dog
Producer
1921
The Redemption of Broncho Billy
Director, Writer
1914
Alkali Ike and the Hypnotist
Director, Writer, Producer
1913
Vera, the Medium
Director
1917
An Indian's Friendship
Director, Writer
1912