William Gillette

Movie Actor

Birthday July 24, 1853

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Connecticut

DEATH DATE Apr 29, 1937 (83)

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About

Helped shape the image of the modern detective with his use of a deerstalker hat and curved pipe in his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage in more than 1,300 appearances. Eventually, he brought the character to film as well.

Before Fame

He was also a playwright, director, and inventor who had one of his earlier stage roles in Held by the Enemy.

Trivia

One of his on-screen roles as the famed detective was in a silent film that is lost.

Family Life

He was married to Helen Nichols from 1882 until 1888, when she died of a ruptured appendix.

Associated With

He was born in Nook Farm, Connecticut where famed author Mark Twain also resided.