Lloyd Bacon

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Actor | Director | Writer Born Jan. 16, 1890 in San Jose, CA

Lloyd Bacon was a director, actor and writer in early Hollywood. He is best known for directing the first major film with dialogue, "The Singing Fool" (1929), starring Al Jolson and the blockbuster musical comedies "42nd Street" (1933), "Footlight Parade" (1933) and "Gold Diggers of 1937" (1937), featuring the stunning choreography of Busby Berkeley.

As the son of stage actor Frank Bacon, star of the Broadway hit "Lightnin'," Lloyd Bacon's career began on the stage. He appeared in Oscar Wilde's "Salome," played in repertoire shows in Kansas City and acted in "Cinderella Man" in New York.

In 1914, Bacon entered the film industry playing a heavy alongside Lloyd Hamilton, noted comedic actor of the silent film era. They continued to work together on many films as costars, co-writers and as actor-director. In 1918, Bacon went with Charles Chaplin to Mutual, then to Triangle Comedies.

After directing two-reelers, Bacon was placed under contract with Warner Bros., where he became a prolific director. He turned out more than 100 films in 17 years there, including many films with James Cagney. Later he joined 20th Century-Fox. One of his last productions was the musical "The I Don't Care Girl."

Hollywood was not Bacon's only passion. He was an avid baseball player and fan. From 1906-08 he was a star player for a baseball team in Santa Clara. He later played with the semi-professional Alameda Alerts. He remained an active fan, and often appeared on location wearing a baseball cap.

— Los Angeles Times Nov. 16, 1955