William Austin
Biography
William Austin was an English character actor who settled in the United States and spent decades in Hollywood, usually in minor parts. Born in British Guiana and educated in England, he gained theatrical experience through Little Theatre and Drama Shop productions. Starting in 1919, he acted for three years at the Morosco Theatre in Los Angeles before entering films in 1922. Over the next two decades he appeared in numerous features and serials, though most of his roles were small or uncredited. His best-remembered silent role was as Clara Bow's sidekick in It (1927), and he also supported Laurel and Hardy in Duck Soup and County Hospital. Between 1928 and 1930 he edited films, mainly Westerns. In Batman (1943) he became the first actor to play Alfred, Batman's butler; his slim look with a mustache was soon adopted by the comics.
91years old at death
- Born Georgetown
- Died Newport Beach
- Star sign: GeminiThe sign runs May 21 to June 20
- Also credited as William Crosby Piercy Austin and William Crosby Percy Austin
Movie Career
- Films
- 8
- Career span
- 17 years1927 to 1944
First and latest
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A first
Austin's portrayal of Alfred in the 1943 Batman serial was so influential that the comic book character was changed to match his thin, moustached look shortly after the serial's release, and that appearance has remained consistent since.
William Austin movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Most often with
Six actors appear in two of them each. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Gary Cooper's page
Billy Bevan's page
E.E. Clive's page
Edward Everett Horton's page
Miles Mander's page
Terry Kilburn's page
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.