George Lessey

George Lessey (June 8, 1879 – June 3, 1947) was an American actor and director of the silent era. He appeared in 123 films between 1910 and 1946. He also directed 76 films between 1913 and 1922.

George Lessey
Lessey (right) in Hope, a Red Cross Seal Story (1912)
Born(1879-06-08)June 8, 1879
Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
DiedJune 3, 1947(1947-06-03) (aged 67)
Westbrook, Connecticut, USA
Years active1910-1946

Lessey was born in Amherst, Massachusetts,[1] and as a boy he acted in theatrical productions there.[2] He graduated from Amherst College.[1]

For a year, Lessey was a leading man for Edison Studios, after which he directed films for the company for two years. In 1914, he joined Universal Studios as a director.[2] He portrayed Romeo in the initial film version of Romeo and Juliet, directed the first serial, What Happened to Mary,[1] and played the first dual role in film as twins in The Corsican Brothers.[3]

On stage, Lessey appeared in the original Broadway production of Porgy and Bess (1935) in one of the few white roles, that of the lawyer Mr. Archdale.[4]

In the 1930s, Lessey worked as a model for men's clothes.[3]

Lessey was married to the former May Abbey.[5] On June 3, 1947, Lessey died on vacation in Westbrook, Connecticut, aged 67.[5]

Selected filmography
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References
  1. "More talented folk of Irving Players to make bow Monday in 'Best People'". The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, the Evening News. Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre. January 30, 1926. p. 10. Retrieved September 11, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Star Director Goes to Hollywood". The Leavenworth Post. Kansas, Leavenworth. August 24, 1914. p. 6. Retrieved September 12, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Gunn, Eleanor (September 29, 1938). "You've Seen This Man Before -- He's Big Executive in Ad Photos". Mount Union Times. Pennsylvania, Mount Union. p. 5. Retrieved September 12, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "George Lessey". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  5. "George Lessey". Hartford Courant. Connecticut, Hartford. Associated Press. June 5, 1947. p. 4. Retrieved September 11, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
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