Alec B. Francis | |
|---|---|
 Francis in 1916 | |
| Born | Alec Francis Budd 2 December 1867 Suffolk, England |
| Died | 6 July 1934 (aged 66) Hollywood, California, United States |
| Years active | 1911–1934 |
| Known for | Actor |
| Spouse | Lucy Smith Bower (m. 1923) |
Alec B. Francis (born Alec Francis Budd; 2 December 1867 – 6 July 1934) was an English actor, largely of the silent era.[1] He appeared in more than 240 films between 1911 and 1934.
Francis was born in Suffolk, England.[2] He studied law at Uppingham College in England and practiced with a legal firm in London.[3]
Disliking legal work, Francis joined a stock theater company for which he played bit parts, and was baggage master and property man. He eventually came under contract with a touring company headed by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Kendall, acting in leading roles in England, India, South Africa, and the United States.[3] He also performed in vaudeville.[4]
Francis served twice in the military, once for Britain and once for the United States. He was in India for a four-year tour of duty with the British Royal Horse Artillery, and He was a nurse with American forces during the Spanish-American War.[3]
Although Francis tried farming after his service as a nurse, he returned to acting and appeared in some plays, including musical productions in which he sang as a baritone. He began acting in films in 1913 and worked for Vitagraph, World, and other film studios.[3]
Francis died in Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood, California, on 6 July 1934,[3] three days after emergency abdominal surgery.[5] His funeral was held at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, and his remains cremated.[6]
