| BEN TURPIN was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 19th., 1874,
and received an elementary education in that city. He grew to manhood surrounded
by the atmosphere of the stage, and began an active theatrical career in
burlesque, playing with Sam T. Jacks Company, in Chicago. Deserting burlesque
for vaudeville, he toured the country for 11 years, finally returning to
Chicago where he joined the forces in the Essanay Studio in a technical
capacity. It was there that the famous comedian of the roving eyes, decided
that he might screen in such a way as to create laughter. Making a test,
it was soon evident that in Turpin, a potential screen comedian of rare
talent was "discovered," and he was cast as one of the first slap
stick artists. As a Mack Sennett star he has gained world-wide fame, and
considerable fortune. He is 5 feet 4 inches in height, weighs 125 lbs.,
and has dark hair and eyes. |