Ben Turpin

American comedian and actor, born 1869 in New Orleans. With his trademark crossed eyes and rubbery frame, he was one of the most recognizable comic faces of the silent era. He began in vaudeville and joined Essanay, where he appeared opposite Charlie Chaplin, then moved to Mack Sennett's studio, where he headlined two-reelers like The Daredevil (1923) for the rest of the decade. His act was built on wild physical stunts and the comic bewilderment his crossed eyes gave to any double take. He died in 1940.