Fatty Arbuckle, whose real name was Roscoe Arbuckle, was a talented actor and director known for his comedic prowess. Born on March 24, 1877, in Smith Center, Kansas, he initially made a name for himself on stage before venturing into the world of silent film comedies, where he excelled.
Despite his larger size, Arbuckle's comedic skills shone through, and he established his own production company. In 1917, he launched Buster Keaton's career by casting him in his first film, "The Butcher Boy." Arbuckle continued to star in and produce feature-length films, such as "The Roundup" (1920), "Brewster's Millions" (1921), and "Gasoline Gus" (1921).
However, his promising acting career came to an abrupt end in 1921 when he was arrested on manslaughter charges. Although acquitted after three trials, his public image was severely tarnished due to slanderous stories spread by the Hearst newspaper syndicate. Consequently, he struggled to find work in front of the camera.
Fortunately, Buster Keaton offered him directing opportunities, and he worked under the pseudonym William Goodrich. In the 1930s, Arbuckle returned to acting, starring in successful short films that led to a contract with Warner Brothers for a feature film. Tragically, he passed away in his sleep on June 29, 1933, just after signing the contract, leaving behind a legacy of comedic brilliance and untapped potential.
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