William J. Butler
William J. Butler (1860 – 27 January 1927) was an Irish silent film actor. He appeared in more than 260 films between 1908 and 1917.
An Irish immigrant to the United States, moved his family from Ohio to Hollywood, California in 1908.
On Broadway, Butler performed in The Serio-Comic Governess (1904), The Great Divide (1906), and Pippa Passes (1906).
At the age of 48, he wanted to get involved in a new industry called motion pictures. He appeared in more than 200 silent films. He made frequent appearances in films made by famed silent film producer/director D. W. Griffith, who made more than 500 films beginning in 1908. In addition to acting, Butler was a crew member and screenwriter of early films.
William's son, Larry Butler, born in Akron, Ohio, just before the family's move to Hollywood. Larry grew up in the film business, dropped out of Burbank High School to work with his father on special effects projects. In 1940, Larry won his first of two Oscars. He was nominated five times for Oscars. His first Oscar was for special effects work done on The Thief of Baghdad. Larry is credited with inventing the blue screen and the traveling matte, both processes were necessary for all special effects and are used today.
Butler's grandsons, Michael C. Butler and David Butler, became highly respected cinematographers. William's grandson, Christopher Butler, is also a cinematographer. The Butler family which began with William Butler in 1908 have made movies for 100 years, and the generations span the silent era, the studio era, the independent director era and the current era.
Butler was married to actress Emma Lathrop, and they had a daughter, actress Kathleen Butler, as well as their son. He died on 27 January 1927 in the Staten Island Hospital, aged 67.
Acted in
A Girl Like That
1917
as Clergyman
Susie Snowflake
1916
as Amos
More Than Friends
1915
as The Chief of the Secret Service
Toys of Destiny
1915
as Deacon White
The Wife
1914
as Major Homer Putnam - Mrs. Ives' Sweetheart
Brute Force
1914
as Priscilla's Father (Prologue)
Strongheart
1914
as Manager of the Opposing Team
The Law and His Son
1913
as The Outcast Son's Father
The Stolen Treaty
1913
as A Diplomat
The Strong Man's Burden
1913
as The Doctor
The Crook and the Girl
1913
as The Lawyer
In Diplomatic Circles
1913
as The Father
Almost a Wild Man
1913
as Policeman / In Audience
The Enemy's Baby
1913
as Sam Miller - the Grandfather
Red Hicks Defies the World
1913
as First Creditor
A Timely Interception
1913
as The Oil Syndicate Officer
Gold and Glitter
1912
as The First Older Brother
In the Aisles of the Wild
1912
as The Widower
Getting Rid of Trouble
1912
as Dad
He Must Have a Wife
1912
as Uncle William
The Would-Be Shriner
1912
as On Street
The Speed Demon
1912
as In Crowd
When the Fire-Bells Rang
1912
as An Actor
A Voice from the Deep
1912
as A Fisherman
Hot Stuff
1912
as Hank's Sweetheart's Father
The Engagement Ring
1912
as The Benefactor
Saved from Himself
1911
as A Guest
Why He Gave Up
1911
as One of the Husband's Chums
The Miser's Heart
1911
as Policeman
The Long Road
1911
as At Party
The Unveiling
1911
The Making of a Man
1911
as Young Woman's Family
The Squaw's Love
1911
as Father
Swords and Hearts
1911
as Old Ben
The Rose of Kentucky
1911
as A servant
The Diving Girl
1911
as The Uncle's Friend
The Manicure Lady
1911
as Maitre D'
Teaching Dad to Like Her
1911
as Outside Theatre
Comrades
1911
as Charles A. Franklin
Fisher Folks
1911
as Fisherman
What Shall We Do with Our Old?
1911
as Shop
A Plain Song
1910
as Edith's Employer
Sunshine Sue
1910
as The Piano Store Owner
Muggsy Becomes a Hero
1910
as The Pastor
Wilful Peggy
1910
The Usurer
1910
as The Doctor
The House with Closed Shutters
1910
as The Colored Servant
A Flash of Light
1910
as A Doctor
Serious Sixteen
1910
A Child of the Ghetto
1910
as In Second Shop
The Honor of His Family
1910
A Trap for Santa Claus
1909
as The Attorney / Man in Bar (uncredited)
A Corner in Wheat
1909
They Would Elope
1909
The Slave
1909
as A Patrician
The Taming of the Shrew
1908