William J. Butler (1860 â€" 27 January 1927) was an Irish silent film
actor. He appeared in 262 films between 1908 and 1917.An Irish
immigrant to the United States, moved his family from Ohio to
Hollywood, California, in 1908. 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 prior to 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.
actor. He appeared in 262 films between 1908 and 1917.An Irish
immigrant to the United States, moved his family from Ohio to
Hollywood, California, in 1908. 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 prior to 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.
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