Roscoe Arbuckle, also known as “Fatty” Arbuckle, was a larger-than-life figure in the early days of Hollywood. Born in 1887 in Smith Center, Kansas, Arbuckle began his career in vaudeville, quickly establishing himself as a talented comedian and performer.
With his rotund figure and natural comedic timing, Arbuckle quickly became one of the most sought-after performers in the motion picture industry. He starred in a string of successful short films, often playing the bumbling, lovable “Fatty” character that he was known for. His films were popular with audiences and he was considered one of the biggest stars of the day.
In addition to his acting career, Arbuckle also made a name for himself as a director, helming many of his own films as well as those of other actors. His directorial style was characterized by its innovative use of camera angles and comedic timing, and he was considered a pioneer in the field.
Despite his success, Arbuckle’s career was plagued by scandal. In 1921, he was accused of the rape and murder of a young actress, Virginia Rappe, during a wild party at a hotel. The case made headlines and though Arbuckle was eventually acquitted, the damage to his reputation was done. His career never fully recovered and he struggled to find work in Hollywood.
Despite the scandals that marred his career, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle will always be remembered as one of the most talented and beloved performers of the early days of Hollywood. He left behind an impressive body of work that continues to entertain audiences to this day, and his contributions to the film industry as both an actor and a director will never be forgotten.
