Billy Franey

William 'Billy' Franey was a leading comic character actor of dishevelled appearance and fuzzy moustache, usually in a suit a couple of sizes too big. His screen career began around 1913, with leads in the 'Joker' comedy series released by Universal. He was co-starred with Louise Fazenda (until her departure for Keystone in 1915) and, subsequently, Gale Henry. In 1920, Franey joined an independent company, Reelcraft, where he made a series of one-reel shorts bearing his name. Few of them have survived. Those that have, notably The Plumber (1921) and The Bath Dub (1921), are brilliantly inventive examples of knockabout slapstick comedy.

Since Reelcraft was a state company, there was only limited regional release and little or no national publicity. As a result Franey's time at the top of his profession lasted merely a year. From 1921, he appeared in support of other comedians, notably in the 'Blue Ribbon' series produced by Joe Rock. He also played straight character roles in motion pictures, including a fair number of westerns. During the last three years of his life, he played 'Pop', father of Vivien Oakland and father-in-law to Edgar Kennedy, in a series of 18-19 minute comedy featurettes made for RKO. Billy continued acting on screen right up to his death from influenza in 1940.