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Larry Kent (actor)

Larry Kent was an American actor and film producer active in Hollywood from 1925 to 1964, notably during the silent film era, who also worked in television.

1. Overview

Larry Kent was an American actor and film producer who had a notable career in Hollywood, particularly during the silent film era. Born in Los Angeles, California, he achieved success as a lead and supporting actor before facing challenges with the transition to sound film. Despite these difficulties, he continued to appear in numerous films, often in bit parts, and also contributed to the industry as a producer. His career spanned from 1925 to 1964, encompassing both cinematic and television work.

2. Life

2.1. Birth and Background

Larry Kent was born on September 15, 1900, in Los Angeles, California.

2.2. Death

Larry Kent died on November 7, 1967, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 67.

3. Career

Larry Kent's professional journey encompassed significant achievements within both the film and television industries, where he worked as an actor and a producer.

3.1. Film Actor

Larry Kent's acting career was active between 1925 and 1964, during which he appeared in 52 films. He experienced considerable success as a lead and supporting actor during the silent film era. However, with the advent of sound film, he encountered difficulties in making a successful transition and was subsequently cast primarily in bit parts until his retirement in 1964. His final film appearance was an uncredited role in the 1964 Elvis film, Viva Las Vegas. Among his most notable roles were his performances in Hangman's House (1928), directed by John Ford, Seas Beneath (1931), and The Masked Menace (1927), where he starred opposite Jean Arthur.

Lobby card for The Devil's Apple Tree (1929), featuring Larry Kent.
Lobby card for The Devil's Apple Tree (1929), featuring Larry Kent.

3.2. Film Producer

In addition to his acting work, Larry Kent also engaged in film production. Notably, in 1933, he produced the short film Aces Wild.

4. Filmography

4.1. Major Film Appearances

Larry Kent's film career spanned several decades, with his appearances documented between 1925 and 1964. A selection of his significant film roles includes:

  • Eyes Right! (1926)
  • Obey the Law (1926)
  • McFadden's Flats (1927)
  • The Sea Tiger (1927)
  • The Whirlwind of Youth (1927)
  • Women's Wares (1927)
  • The Masked Menace (1927)
  • The Lovelorn (1927)
  • Her Wild Oat (1927)
  • Mad Hour (1928)
  • The Heart of a Follies Girl (1928)
  • Hangman's House (1928)
  • The Head Man (1928)
  • The Haunted House (1928)
  • The Devil's Apple Tree (1929)
  • Midstream (1929)
  • Around the Corner (1930)
  • Seas Beneath (1931)
  • Women Won't Tell (1932)
  • The Bitter Ash (1963)
  • Man Hunt (1936)
  • Times Square Playboy (1936)
  • What Becomes of the Children? (1936)

5. Television Career

Larry Kent also extended his acting work to television, appearing in several series and portraying various roles.

5.1. Notable TV Roles

His appearances in television series primarily include roles in Rawhide:

YearTitleRoleNotes
1961RawhideConductorS3:E16, "Incident on the Road Back"
1961RawhideJudgeS3:E30, "Incident of the Wager on Payday"
1962RawhideCroupierS4:E21, "The Pitchwagon"
1962RawhideFirst DroverS4:E29, "The Devil and the Deep Blue"