Jean Hersholt — Biographical Sketch (1927) 🇺🇸
The Panama Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco in 1915, was indirectly responsible for the advent in America of Jean Hersholt, now generally recognized as one of the few character actors in the motion picture industry, and one of the few character actors having a permanent contract.
Hersholt came to America as an artist. When Denmark was asked to participate in the San Francisco exposition he was sent as the representative of the kingdom. He was an artist and stage director of note, and he was to supervise the Danish exhibit and cement the entente cordiale between Denmark and the United States.
Hersholt was born in Copenhagen and both his parents were prominent in stage life, so his knowledge of the drama is inherent. He was a painter and artist until he entered upon a stage career, which he followed for twelve years in stock in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He later was in motion pictures for four years in Denmark.
With the completion of the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, Hersholt appreciated the opportunities offered in Hollywood and he signed as a member of the Universal stock company, where he played small parts, meantime absorbing and learning American technique. With a natural aptitude as a mixer he became popular in Hollywood, and his rise was rapid.
Several memorable productions redound to Hersholt’s credit. Among some that may be mentioned are Greed, Don Q, Stella Dallas, The Old Soak, Alias the Deacon, “The Symphony,” “The Braggart,” The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg, “Beggars of Love,” “The Wrong Mr. Wright,” “Sunkissed,” and others.
Hersholt is one of the most popular men in the Hollywood film colony, and is a member of many organizations, including Al Malaikah Shrine temple, Hollywood Commandery No. 50, the 233 Club, Motion Picture Directors Association, and the Hollywood Athletic Club. He is married, and has a son attending the Hollywood Military Academy. The Hersholt home in Beverly Hills is one of the show places of the community, and is the center for artistic gatherings representative of the intelligentsia of the cinema world.
—
Jean Hersholt
Universal Star in
- Alias the Deacon
- The Symphony
- The Braggart
Featured in
- Beggars of Love
Starring Pola Negri
M-G-M Release
Collection: Motion Picture News, October 1927 (Booking Guide and Studio Directory)