After being a star in vaudeville, he became one of the great comedians of the silent film era, with an inimitable deadpan expression (the "Great Stone Face") masking a sophisticated acting ability. His films include One Week 1920, The Navigator 1924, The General 1927, and The Cameraman 1928. He rivalled Charlie Chaplin in popularity until studio problems ended his creative career. He then made only shorts and guest appearances, as in Chaplin's Limelight 1952 and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 1966.
