Bobby Connelly
Encyclopedia
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Connelly (April 4, 1909 – July 5, 1922) was an American child actor
of silent films. He is one of the first male child stars of American motion pictures beginning his career in 1913 at the age of four.
, which were based primarily in New York and New Jersey, close to where Connelly and his family lived. Connelly appeared in films with major players of the day and in 1914–15 portrayed Sonny Jim in a series of shorts about the adventures of a young boy.
In 1917 Connelly got his own series of films with his name in the title to emphasize his star billing. His career pertains primarily with the Vitagraph studios but occasionally he would appear in other studios' productions such as Humoresque
produced by Paramount Pictures
in 1920. Humoresque, a story by Fannie Hurst
was a huge hit in 1920 and is one of Connelly's few films to survive.
. Nevertheless, he was still allowed to keep a heavy work schedule. In 1922 Connelly became ill after completing work on the film Wildness of Youth
. He died of bronchitis
at his home on July 5, 1922 at the age of 13.
Child actor
The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting in motion pictures or television, but also to an adult who began his or her acting career as a child; to avoid confusion, the latter is also called a former child actor...
of silent films. He is one of the first male child stars of American motion pictures beginning his career in 1913 at the age of four.
Career
Connelly's parents were vaudeville performers and young Connelly began in films with the Kalem company. His sister Helen also had a career as a child actress. In 1914 Connelly switched to Vitagraph StudiosVitagraph Studios
American Vitagraph was a United States movie studio, founded by J. Stuart Blackton and Albert E. Smith in 1897 in Brooklyn, New York. By 1907 it was the most prolific American film production company, producing many famous silent films. It was bought by Warner Bros...
, which were based primarily in New York and New Jersey, close to where Connelly and his family lived. Connelly appeared in films with major players of the day and in 1914–15 portrayed Sonny Jim in a series of shorts about the adventures of a young boy.
In 1917 Connelly got his own series of films with his name in the title to emphasize his star billing. His career pertains primarily with the Vitagraph studios but occasionally he would appear in other studios' productions such as Humoresque
Humoresque (1920 film)
Humoresque is a 1920 silent film drama produced by Cosmopolitan Productions and released by a special arrangement with Famous Players-Lasky and Paramount Pictures. It was directed by Frank Borzage from a novel by Fannie Hurst and script or scenario by Frances Marion...
produced by Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film production and distribution company, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 and currently owned by media conglomerate Viacom, it is America's oldest existing film studio; it is also the last major film studio still...
in 1920. Humoresque, a story by Fannie Hurst
Fannie Hurst
Fannie Hurst was an American novelist. Although her books are not well remembered today, during her lifetime some of her more famous novels were Stardust , Lummox , A President is Born , Back Street , and Imitation of Life...
was a huge hit in 1920 and is one of Connelly's few films to survive.
Death
In 1917 Connelly was diagnosed with endocarditisEndocarditis
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, the endocardium. It usually involves the heart valves . Other structures that may be involved include the interventricular septum, the chordae tendineae, the mural endocardium, or even on intracardiac devices...
. Nevertheless, he was still allowed to keep a heavy work schedule. In 1922 Connelly became ill after completing work on the film Wildness of Youth
Wildness of Youth
Wildness of Youth is a 1922 silent film directed by Ivan Abramson, starring Virginia Pearson, Harry T. Morey and Mary Anderson.-Plot:Spoiled son Andrew Kane competes with James Surbrun for the affections of wild child Julie Grayton . Kane is convicted of murdering Surbrun, but later exonerated., p...
. He died of bronchitis
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the large bronchi in the lungs that is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may last several days or weeks. Characteristic symptoms include cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath and wheezing related to the obstruction of the inflamed airways...
at his home on July 5, 1922 at the age of 13.