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The Breakthrough Years of Cinema Stars
First major success in 1917
Harold Lloyd
Developed his iconic Glass Character persona in 1917 with Over the Fence, shifting his comedic style.
1919
1920
1921
1922
1922
1923
Buster Keaton
First film appearance in The Butcher Boy (1917), beginning his iconic comedic screen career.
1920
1920
1924
1925
1927
1927
Erich von Stroheim
Began significant acting career in Panthea (1917), establishing his memorable villainous screen persona.
1922
1922
1929
1929
1932
1933
Corinne Griffith
Began starring in Vitagraph features in 1917, quickly establishing herself as a prominent "screen queen.
1918
1921
1922
1923
1924
1924
Alla Nazimova
Made her highly anticipated screen debut in Revelation (1917), achieving instant stardom as a dramatic actress.
1918
1919
1920
1920
1920
1920
Carmel Myers
This year marked Carmel Myers' significant rise at Universal Pictures, solidifying her exotic vamp screen persona. She became known for her captivating performances in films such as The Informer, establishing her as a prominent actress in the rapidly expanding film industry.
1919
1920
1920
1920
1921
1924
Shirley Mason
Made her film debut in The Little Chevalier (1917), quickly becoming a popular child/teen star.
1918
1918
1920
1920
1920
1921
Charles Ray
Gained significant stardom in 1917 with The Pinch Hitter, solidifying his country boy image.
1919
1920
1920
1920
1922
1923
Elsie Ferguson
Major stage star debuted in film with A Doll's House (1917), becoming an instant screen sensation.
1917
1918
1918
1919
1920
1920
June Caprice
Became popular young star for Fox in 1917, starring in romantic dramas like A Child of the Wild.
1917
1917
1918
1919
1920
1920
Madge Kennedy
Made her film debut in Baby Mine (1917), quickly rising to stardom as a major comedic actress.
1917
1919
1919
1920
1920
1920
Gained significant prominence as a leading man in silent films, most notably appearing alongside Mary Pickford in the critically acclaimed war drama The Little American. This role helped establish him as a rising star in the industry.
1925
1925
1929
1931
1936
1936
Alice Brady
Prominent stage actress debuted in film with Betsy Ross (1917), immediately establishing her screen presence.
1916
1919
1920
1922
1926
William Farnum
Became a major Fox star in 1917 with The Conqueror, establishing him as a top action hero.
1919
1921
1922
1922
1923
Gladys Leslie
Made her film debut in 1917, quickly becoming a popular leading lady, especially for Vitagraph.
1919
1920
1921
Séverin-Mars
This film marked his first major leading role under the direction of Abel Gance, establishing him as a powerful dramatic actor in French cinema. His performance in Mater Dolorosa was a critical and commercial success, solidifying his collaboration with Gance.
1921

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