William Haines
Biography
William Haines was an American actor who became a leading man in silent films and early talkies. Born in Staunton, Virginia, a talent scout discovered him, and he signed with Goldwyn Pictures in 1922. After small parts, his first significant role came in Three Wise Fools (1923), and he earned favorable reviews for The Midnight Express (1924). His screen persona as a wisecracking, arrogant young man took shape in Brown of Harvard (1926). He scored a hit with Little Annie Rooney (1925), opposite Mary Pickford, and with Show People (1928), opposite Marion Davies. From 1928 to 1932 he ranked among the top five box-office stars, and the 1930 Quigley Poll named him the country's top box-office attraction. He transitioned to sound in Alias Jimmy Valentine (1928) and starred in Way Out West (1930). He retired from acting in 1935 and began a successful interior design career.
73years old at death
- Born Staunton
- Died Santa Monica
- Star sign: CapricornThe sign runs December 22 to January 19
- Also credited as Charles William Haines
Movie Career
- Films
- 5
- Career span
- 6 years1923 to 1929
Every film, newest first
- 1929The Hollywood Revue of 1929IMDb rating 5.6
- 1928Show PeopleIMDb rating 7.6
- 1926Tell It to the MarinesIMDb rating 7.1
- 1925Little Annie RooneyIMDb rating 6.8
- 1923Souls for SaleIMDb rating 7.0
Genres
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First role
Haines landed his first important part in Three Wise Fools in 1923. The good reviews he got led the studio to start promoting him as a new star.
Big break
Opposite Jack Pickford and Mary Brian, Haines scored his first big personal success in Brown of Harvard (1926). That film set his screen image: a young arrogant man humbled by the last reel.
A role that slipped away
Haines declined a cameo role in Sunset Boulevard (1950), later saying he enjoyed being away from pictures while still being part of them through his friends.
William Haines movies on Netflix
Most often with
Five 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
Charles Chaplin's page
John Gilbert's page
Marion Davies's page
Eleanor Boardman's page
Lew Cody's page
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | Honored | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.