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Gilbert M. Anderson

Gilbert M. Anderson

Director & actor · born 20 March 1880 · Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

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.

Where to start: The Great Train Robbery (1903).

As director 371

As actor 191

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Gilbert M. Anderson movie?

By viewer score, The Great Train Robbery (1903) at 7.0/10.

What are Gilbert M. Anderson’s most popular movies?

The Great Train Robbery, The Champion.

How many movies has Gilbert M. Anderson made?

562 films on TMDB, 371 as director, 191 as actor.

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