Gilbert M. Anderson
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.
Filmography
The Champion
Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs
The Great Train Robbery
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Trail to the West
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Broncho Billy's Word of Honor
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Broncho Billy's Wild Ride
His Regeneration
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The Marked Trail
Broncho Billy's Vengeance
Broncho Billy Rewarded
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A Cowboy's Vindication
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Broncho Billy's Cowardly Brother
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Shanghaied
Andy of the Royal Mounted
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Her Lesson
Ingomar of the Hills
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The Girl and the Fugitive
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The Tenderfoot Sheriff
The Bounty Killer
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Pals of the Range
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Her Realization
Broncho Billy's Promise
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The Border Ranger
Broncho Billy, a Friend in Need
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Broncho Billy's Escapade
Broncho Billy's Duty
Broncho Billy's Capture
Broncho Billy's Narrow Escape
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Broncho Billy's Way
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Broncho Billy and the Girl