George A. Billings
American actor (1870–1934)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George A. Billings (November 22, 1870 – April 15, 1934) was an American actor noted for his portrayals of Abraham Lincoln in films of the 1920s.
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George A. Billings | |
|---|---|
Billings in The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln (1924) | |
| Born | November 22, 1870 |
| Died | April 15, 1934 (aged 63) |
| Occupations | Film, stage actor |
| Years active | 1924–1929 |
Biography
Born in Preston, Minnesota in 1870, he the son of Henry Orville Billings and Amanda Melvina Warr. Billings was a carpenter for most of his life. While working for the Los Angeles City Department, he heard Al and Ray Rockett were looking for a man that resembled Lincoln for the 1924 film The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln. He was hired for the film, despite a lack of prior acting experience, due to his striking resemblance to Lincoln, even down to the mole on his face.[1] Billings went on to portray Lincoln in several more films.
In 1927, he also toured the mid-western United States playing Lincoln in a two-man play with Henry Fonda. Things started out well, but Fonda finally quit due to Billings prodigious drinking.[2] It was Fonda's first professional job as an actor.
Filmography (all roles playing Abraham Lincoln)
- The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln (1924)
- Barbara Frietchie (1924)
- The Man Without a Country (1925)
- Hands Up! (1926)
- Lincoln (1929) (10-minute sound short)
