Ben Turpin
BEN TURPIN was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 19th., 1874, and received an elementary education in that city. He grew to manhood surrounded by the atmosphere of the stage, and began an active theatrical career in burlesque, playing with Sam T. Jacks Company, in Chicago. Deserting burlesque for vaudeville, he toured the country for 11 years, finally returning to Chicago where he joined the forces in the Essanay Studio in a technical capacity. It was there that the famous comedian of the roving eyes, decided that he might screen in such a way as to create laughter. Making a test, it was soon evident that in Turpin, a potential screen comedian of rare talent was "discovered," and he was cast as one of the first slap stick artists. As a Mack Sennett star he has gained world-wide fame, and considerable fortune. He is 5 feet 4 inches in height, weighs 125 lbs., and has dark hair and eyes.
