Actor. He is remembered for his work with Keystone Studios in Edendale, California and was the original chief of the ever popular fictional bumbling police unit The Keystone Cops. Born George Ford Stich, Jr. he ran away from home at a young age to join the circus and also performed on Mississippi River show boats. In 1905 he got his start on the stage in the play "Breaking Into Society." He then moved to California and in 1911 began his career in silent films with Biograph Studios. After director Mack Sennett left to set up Keystone Studios, he followed him and there he performed as 'Chief Teeheezel' in the Keystone Cops series of slapstick comedies in a successful career that spanned twenty-five years. In 1914 he co-founded the Sterling Film Company with director and cinematographer Fred J. Balshofer. A prolific actor, he appeared in over 275 films during his career, most notably "Tango Tangle" (1914), "Between Showers" (1914), and "The Show Off" (1926). His last film was "The Headline Woman" (1935, with Heather Angel). He died from a heart attack at the age of 55 following a long battle with diabetes. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to films. He was married to actress Teddy Sampson until his death.
Actor. He is remembered for his work with Keystone Studios in Edendale, California and was the original chief of the ever popular fictional bumbling police unit The Keystone Cops. Born George Ford Stich, Jr. he ran away from home at a young age to join the circus and also performed on Mississippi River show boats. In 1905 he got his start on the stage in the play "Breaking Into Society." He then moved to California and in 1911 began his career in silent films with Biograph Studios. After director Mack Sennett left to set up Keystone Studios, he followed him and there he performed as 'Chief Teeheezel' in the Keystone Cops series of slapstick comedies in a successful career that spanned twenty-five years. In 1914 he co-founded the Sterling Film Company with director and cinematographer Fred J. Balshofer. A prolific actor, he appeared in over 275 films during his career, most notably "Tango Tangle" (1914), "Between Showers" (1914), and "The Show Off" (1926). His last film was "The Headline Woman" (1935, with Heather Angel). He died from a heart attack at the age of 55 following a long battle with diabetes. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to films. He was married to actress Teddy Sampson until his death.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
FORD STERLING
(GEORGE FORD STICH, JR.)
NOVEMBER 3, 1882 - OCTOBER 13, 1939
STAR OF THE SILENT SCREEN
ACTOR - COMEDIAN
KEYSTONE COP
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