Mack Sennett

Mack Sennett
Los Angeles Times

Stars

Mack Sennett
Film: South side of the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Director | Producer | Studio Head
Born Mickael Sinnott on Jan. 17, 1880 in Danville, Quebec, Canada
Died Nov. 5, 1960 in Motion Picture and Television Country House, CA

Mack Sennett once aspired to be an opera singer but instead made his mark as early Hollywood's master of mirth.

Sennett began his career as a performer in a Baptist church choir in New York. He landed a few odd acting jobs after that and in 1909 wormed his way into the old Biograph Studios, where he was able to observe the work of D.W. Griffith and Mary Pickford.

That was the end of his brief acting career and the start of his life a director and producer of film comedies. In his rise to fame, Sennett discovered more talent than anyone before or after him.

Those who first set their feet on the rode ro movie fame via Sennett's slapstick comedies included Charles Chaplin, Marie Dressler, Wallace Beery, Gloria Swanson, Harry Langdon, Polly Moran, Chester Conklin, Harold Lloyd, Phyllis Haver, Mack Swain, Webber and Fields, Buster Keaton, Bebe Daniels, Charlie Murray, Hal Roach, Marie Prevost and Eddie Foy.

One of his most notable products was actress Mabel Normand — who died in her mid-30s — with whom he had a long romance.

A pioneer of the silents, Sennett was faced with obsolescence when sound came in. But he defied the pessimists and cranked out 80 sound comedies and his slapstick became even more popular.

He moved to Paramount where he introduced Bing Crosby and W.C. Fields, and later to 20th Century-Fox to serve briefly as an associate producer.

At the peak of his career, Sennett owned three homes which became the scene of lavish parties for friends and employees. He lived a madcap, extravagant life and became known and loved as the kind of comedy.

Related stars

Points of interest

Click for more information

    Academy Awards

    Year Category Work
    1931 Best Short Subject - Comedy The Loud Mouth Nomination
    1931 Best Short Subject - Novelty Wrestling Swordfish Win
    1937 Special Award Win

    Share a thought about Mack Sennett

    • Did you ever meet Mack Sennett? Share your memory.
    • Which other stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame have connections to Mack Sennett?
    • Are other places in the world important to Mack Sennett?
    • Does Mack Sennett deserve this star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

      Required
      Optional