Douglas Fairbanks

Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. (May 23, 1883 – December 12, 1939) was an American actor, screenwriter, director and producer. He was best known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films such as The Thief of Bagdad, Robin Hood, and The Mark of Zorro. An astute businessman, Fairbanks was a founding member of United Artists. Fairbanks was also a founding member of The Motion Picture Academy and hosted the first Oscars Ceremony in 1929. With his marriage to Mary Pickford in 1920, the couple became Hollywood royalty with Fairbanks constantly referred to as "The King of Hollywood", a nickname later passed on to actor Clark Gable.... more

First Magazine Covers

1918

1919

1921

1922

1923

Breakthrough Years

1915

Made a dynamic film debut in *The Lamb*, quickly becoming a major star known for his athletic and energetic screen presence.

1916

Rose to superstar status with his athletic, optimistic persona in films like His Picture in the Papers.

1918

His athletic, patriotic roles in films like "Arizona" firmly established him as a top action-adventure star.

1920

His starring role in *The Mark of Zorro* (1920) launched his iconic swashbuckling adventure persona.