Gilbert M. Anderson
Known for Directing
Biography
Born in 1880, ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson is considered the first western film star. He played three film roles in “The Great Train Robbery” and then began to write, direct and act in his own films. After co-founding the Essanay Studios in 1907 with George Kirk Spoor, Anderson appeared in some 300 short films. But it was his 148 western shorts playing cowboy Bronco Billy that made him a star. He retired for the first time in 1916 but made a few comebacks, including producing movies into the 1950s for his company, Progressive Pictures. He received an honorary Oscar in 1958 as a “motion picture pioneer.” Anderson came out of retirement one more time for a cameo in 1965’s “The Bounty Hunter.” He died at age of 90 1971.
Filmography
The Champion
1915
as Enthusiastic Fan (uncredited)
The Great Train Robbery
1903
as Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)
The Bounty Killer
1965
as The Man in the Cantina
Trail to the West
1910
Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs
2000
as (archive footage)
Broncho Billy's Word of Honor
1915
as Broncho Billy
The Lucky Card
1911
as George Maxwell
A Cowboy's Vindication
1910
as Frank Morrison
Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy
1912
as Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy's Wild Ride
1914
as Broncho Billy
The Bearded Bandit
1910
as Curt, the Sheriff
The Tenderfoot Sheriff
1913
as Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy Reforms
1913
as Broncho Billy
His Regeneration
1915
as The Regenerate
Ingomar of the Hills
1915
as Ingomar
Broncho Billy's Way
1913
as Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy's Vengeance
1915
as Broncho Billy
The Western: A Lost TV Special
1958
as Self
The Doctor's Duty
1913
as Dr. Roland White
Broncho Billy's Promise
1912
as Broncho Billy