Billy Armstrong was a British actor known for his work in early American cinema, particularly in films such as The Bank, Up in Alf’s Place, and Down on the Farm. He was active during the silent film era and performed alongside notable figures like Charlie Chaplin, Oliver Hardy, and Harry Langdon.
Personal and Family Life
Billy Armstrong was born on January 14, 1891, in Bristol, England. He was married to Marion Parker until her death in November 1920. Armstrong had a close family connection to child actor Don Marion, as he was his uncle through marriage. His career included a transition from British music halls to film, where he became a familiar figure in the comedy scene.
Death and Legacy
Billy Armstrong passed away from tuberculosis on March 1, 1924, at the age of 33 in Sunland, California. He left behind a legacy in the silent film industry, remembered for his comedic roles and contributions to the early film genre. His performances influenced future generations of comedians, cementing his place in film history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Tramp | 1915-04-12 | Minister |
| The Champion | 1915-03-11 | Sparring Partner |
| In the Park | 1915-03-18 | Sausage Thief |
| By the Sea | 1915-04-29 | Man in Straw Hat |
| Work | 1915-06-21 | The Husband |
| A Woman | 1915-07-12 | Father’s Friend |
| The Bank | 1915-08-09 | Another Janitor |
| Shanghaied | 1915-10-04 | First Shanghaied Seaman |
| Police | 1916-05-27 | Crooked Preacher / Second Cop |
| Triple Trouble | 1918-08-11 | Cook / Pickpocket |
| Hearts and Flowers | 1919-06-22 | Indignant Nobleman |
| Rip & Stitch: Tailors | 1919-02-09 | The Neighbor’s Rival |
| Down on the Farm | 1920-04-17 | The Man of Mystery |
| Don’t Weaken! | 1920-09-05 | The Pianist (uncredited) |
| The Extra Girl | 1923-10-28 | Comedian in Derby |
| An International Sneak | 1917-12-01 | The Spy’s Rival |
| Gertie’s Gasoline Glide | 1916-05-17 | Billy |
| When Summer Comes | 1922-09-22 | The Fortune Hunter |
| The King of the Kitchen | 1918-10-30 | A crooked gentleman |
| Yankee Doodle in Berlin | 1919-03-02 | Ludwig – Asylum Keeper |
| This Way Out | 1923-05-27 | |
| The Quack Doctor | 1920-07-04 | Doc Pillsbury |
| In Dutch | 1918-06-26 | |
| Up in Alf’s Place | 1919-10-12 | The Jailer |
| No Vacancies | 1923-01-01 | The Landlord |
| Conductor 1492 | 1924-01-12 | Drunk at Party (uncredited) |
| When Knights Were Cold | 1923-02-12 | Earl of Tabasco, a Hot Knight (as William Armstrong) |
| Hello Trouble | 1918-09-25 | A romantic husband |
| Charlie’s Triple Trouble | 1944-01-02 | Cook / Pickpocket (archive footage) |
| Sheriff Nell’s Tussle | 1918-03-11 | Silk Hat Cecil aka Jersey City Joe (as William Armstrong) |
| Asleep at the Switch | 1923-10-14 | The Traveling Salesman |
| One Spooky Night | 1924-01-27 | The Chauffeur |
| Hop To It, Bellhop | 1919-02-05 | Jumping Jupiter |
| Wedding Yells | 1942-03-07 | Handlebars Harry |
| Smile Please | 1924-03-01 | Father in Portrait Session (uncredited) |
| Shanghaied Lovers | 1924-03-30 | Sailor (uncredited) |