Timelines for year 1916
Rochelle Hudson
Prodded by an ambitious stage mother into an early career, some sources state that Rochelle, who was quite mature for her age, was actually born in 1916. It seems that RKO Pictures, which had signed the teenager, added two years to her age because the public would never accept or condone a 15-year-old in romantic leads.
Barbara Bel Geddes
Her parents, Norman Bel Geddes and Helen (Belle) Sneider, were married in Toledo, Ohio, in 1916, almost 7 years before they had her.
Allan Dwan
He was Gloria Swanson's favorite director. After he began to work for Triangle in 1916, he also won the respect of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, who were, at that time, the most powerful couple in the film business.
It was Dwan, rather than D.W. Griffith, who devised the famous crane shot used in 'Intolerance' (1916). He was also pioneered the dolly shot in 1915.
Frankie Avalon
Mother, Mary Avallone was born July 3, 1916; father, Nicholas Avallone was born April 27, 1913. Sister, Theresa Avallone.
Albert Lewin
Graduated from New York University with a B.A. in English, followed by a Masters in English from Harvard University. Subsequently taught at the University of Missouri, 1916-18. Would have gone on to a professorship, if not for a chance viewing of 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', which persuaded him to enter the film business. Initially employed by the Jewish Tribune as a drama and film critic, then reader for Samuel Goldwyn, and script clerk for King Vidor. Joined MGM in 1924, after his first scenario was accepted. Became head of the MGM script department in 1929, and personal assistant to Irving Thalberg. Associate producer on several key MGM films in the 1930's.
Woodrow Wilson
When he ran for re-election in 1916 he ran with the campaign slogan "He kept us out of war". Five months into his second term the sinking of the Lusitania caused him to very reluctantly ask the Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.
The first sitting President to attend a World Series game (1916) and the first President to officially throw out the first ball at a World Series game.
Arnold Friberg
Son of a Swedish father and Norwegian mother. The family moved to Arizona in 1916 where they converted to Mormonism.
Charles Chaplin
He was also the first actor to have a comic strip about him; Ed Carey's 1916 strip, "Pa's Imported Son-in-Law", detailed the adventures of Chaplin.
Herbert Heyes
Dignified character actor, first on stage in 1906 with the Baker Stock Company in Portland, Oregon. From 1910, in leading roles with actor-manager James K. Hackett. In films from 1915. Notable as star opposite Theda Bara in Under Two Flags (1916). Also active on Broadway and in radio.
Ty Cobb
In 1916 he was the first athlete to star in a commercial motion picture, Somewhere in Georgia.
Susan Sarandon
In 1916, her grandfather Giuseppe Criscione emigrated to the USA from Ragusa, Sicily, where he was born in 1901. Now she is honorary citizen of Ragusa and the city gave her the "Ragusani nel Mondo" award.
Judith Lowry
Small, frail, white-haired character actress on the Broadway stage from 1916 who retired early to raise nine children. Returning to acting a couple of decades later and eventually came into her own in the 60s and 70s as playful elderlies on stage, screen and TV.
Gregory Peck
His paternal grandmother, Catherine Ashe, was an immigrant from County Kerry, Ireland. She was a relative of Thomas Ashe, an Irish patriot who fought in the Easter Rising in 1916 and died on hunger strike the following year.
