Olin Howland: Movies & Box Office

Olin Ross Howland (February 10, 1886 – September 20, 1959) was an American character actor whose career spanned the silent era, the golden age of Hollywood, and early television. Born in Denver, Colorado to Joby A. Howland, a youthful Civil War veteran, and Mary C. Bunting, he grew up in a theatrical family; his sister, Jobyna Howland, became a noted stage actress. After studying dance and working as a dance teacher, Howland toured Europe performing vaudeville exhibitions, and he even learned to fly at the Wright Flying School, soloing on a Wright Model B. His Broadway debut came in 1909, and between 1909 and 1927 he appeared in a string of successful musicals such as Leave It to Jane (1917), Two Little Girls in Blue (1921) and Wildflower (1923). He also ventured into silent cinema with a role in Janice Meredith (1924) alongside Marion Davies, demonstrating early versatility that would later serve him well in the sound era.