Frank Keenan

Biography

Frank Keenan was one of the first great theatrical tragedians to embrace the new medium of film, having earned acclaim on Broadway for roles in Shakespearean and contemporary dramas before bringing his powerful gravitas to silent pictures. His commanding demeanor made him an ideal patriarch, villain, or sage in the early narratives that Hollywood was crafting.

He took great care in mentoring younger actors, showing them how to translate stage subtleties to the screen, and he remained a dignified presence within the industry even as the art form continued to evolve.