Gilbert M. Anderson
Biography
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.
Also Known As
Movie Appearances
The Messenger Boy's Mistake
as Cholly
1903
The Great Train Robbery
as Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)
1903
Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs
as (archive footage)
2000
The Tomboy on Bar Z
1912
Broncho Billy's Conscience
as Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy and the Claim Jumpers
as Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy's Christmas Spirit
as Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy's Dad
as Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy and the Sisters
as Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy's Greaser Deputy
as Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy and the Escaped Bandit
as Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy and the Sheriff's Office
as Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy and the False Note
as Broncho Billy
1915
The Doctor's Duty
as Dr. Roland White
1913
Broncho Billy's Elopement
as Broncho Billy
1913
Ingomar of the Hills
as Ingomar
1915
Broncho Billy and the Outlaw's Mother
as Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy's Cowardly Brother
as Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy's First Arrest
as Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy's Christmas Deed
as Broncho Billy
1913