Directing
Gilbert M. Anderson
Also Known As: Gilbert M. 'Broncho Billy' Anderson, G. M. Anderson, G.M. Anderson
Birth Date
March 20, 1880
Death Date
January 20, 1971
(passed away at 90)
Place of Birth
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Popularity
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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.
Photos
Hollywood
Self (archive footage)
1980 • 1 episode
The Great Train Robbery
Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)
1903
His Regeneration
The Regenerate
1915
The Bounty Killer
The Man in the Cantina
1965
The Champion
Enthusiastic Fan (uncredited)
1915
The Western: A Lost TV Special
Self
1958
The Legend of Rudolph Valentino
Self (archive footage)
1961
Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs
(archive footage)
2000
Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1912
Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner
Broncho Billy
1911
The Movies March On
Self - from 'The Great Train Robbery' (archive footage)
1939
Broncho Billy's Sermon
Broncho Billy
1914
A Cowboy's Vindication
Frank Morrison
1910
Broncho Billy's Squareness
Broncho Billy
1913
Why Broncho Billy Left Bear County
Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy Steps In
Broncho Billy
1915
Life with Henry
Business Man (uncredited)
1941
Broncho Billy and the Indian Maid
Broncho Billy
1912
Snakeville's New Doctor
Broncho Billy
1914
An Outlaw's Sacrifice
1910