Gilbert M. Anderson
Known for: Directing
Born in 1880, ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson is considered the first western film star. He played three film roles in “The Great Train Robbery” and then began to write, direct and act in his own films. After co-founding the Essanay Studios in 1907 with George Kirk Spoor, Anderson appeared in some 300 short films. But it was his 148 western shorts playing cowboy Bronco Billy that made him a star. He retired for the first time in 1916 but made a few comebacks, including producing movies into the 1950s for his company, Progressive Pictures. He received an honorary Oscar in 1958 as a “motion picture pioneer.” Anderson came out of retirement one more time for a cameo in 1965’s “The Bounty Hunter.” He died at age of 90 1971.
Filmography
Film
The Great Train Robbery
Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)
1903
Film
His Regeneration
The Regenerate
1915
Film
The Bounty Killer
The Man in the Cantina
1965
Film
The Champion
Enthusiastic Fan (uncredited)
1915
Film
Outwitting Papa
Tom Phelps
1911
Film
Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
The Legend of Rudolph Valentino
Self (archive footage)
1961
Film
Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs
(archive footage)
2000
Her Lesson
The Capitalist
1916
Film
Tag Day
1909
Film
The Western: A Lost TV Special
Self
1958
Her Realization
The Sweetheart
1915
Film
Life with Henry
Business Man (uncredited)
1941
Film
Broncho Billy and the Indian Maid
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Mexican Wife
Broncho Billy
1912
Broncho Billy's Sermon
Broncho Billy
1914
The Two Reformations
1911
Film
The Film Parade
(archive footage) (uncredited)
1933
Film
A Child of the West
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Narrow Escape
Broncho Billy
1912
Broncho Billy's Redemption
Broncho Billy
1910
Patricia of the Plains
Dick Martin
1910
Broncho Billy's Love Affair
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Andy of the Royal Mounted
Andy of the Royal Mounted
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Squareness
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
The Bachelor's Burglar
The Bachelor
1915
Film
Broncho Billy Reforms
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy's Vengeance
Broncho Billy
1915
Western Girls
1912
The Border Ranger
The Border Ranger
1911
Film
Hubby's Scheme
One of Hubby's Friends
1911
Film
A Christmas Revenge
Broncho Billy / Santa Claus
1915
Pals of the Range
Jack Smythe
1910
An Indian Sunbeam
An Indian
1912
The Lucky Card
George Maxwell
1911
Film
A Pal's Oath
Jack Manley
1911
Film
The Three Gamblers
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy's Leap
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy's Promise
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
The Doctor's Duty
Dr. Roland White
1913
Broncho Billy Steps In
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
1905
Film
Broncho Billy Trapped
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Spike Shannon's Last Fight
Spike Shannon
1911
A Cowboy's Vindication
Frank Morrison
1910
Film
Snakeville's New Doctor
Broncho Billy
1914
The Two Fugitives
Jack Harvey
1911
The Squatter's Gal
Broncho Billy
1914
Too Much Turkey
Frank Potter
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Heart
Broncho Billy
1912
The Book Agent's Romance
The Book Agent
1916
Film
Broncho Billy's Scheme
Broocho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy, Outlaw
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy for Sheriff
Broncho Billy
1912
Broncho Billy, Sheepman
Broncho Billy
1915
The Puncher's New Love
Harvey Barton
1911
The Backwoodsman's Suspicion
Walker - the Backwoodsman
1911
The Other Girl
The Artist
1915
Film
A Story of Montana
Triggerless Jim Burrows
1912
The Sheriff's Chum
Sheriff Will Phelps
1911
Film
Broncho Billy's Gratefulness
Broncho Billy
1913
The Calling of Jim Barton
Jim Barton
1914
Film
The Treachery of Broncho Billy's Pal
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy's Way
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Why Broncho Billy Left Bear County
Broncho Billy
1913
A Western Girl's Sacrifice
Spike Shannon
1911
Method in His Madness
Pedestrian with Seltzer Bottle
1910
Film
Broncho Billy and the Greaser
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy's Wild Ride
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
The Strike at the Little Jonny Mine
Jim Logan
1911
The Pony Express Rider
Jim Allison
1910
The Cowpuncher's Ward
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner
Broncho Billy
1911
Film
A Night on the Road
Rough Neck
1914
Film
Broncho Billy's Double Escape
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy's Cowardly Brother
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
The Movies March On
Self - from 'The Great Train Robbery' (archive footage)
1939
The Bearded Bandit
Curt, the Sheriff
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Teachings
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy -- Favorite
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy and the Gambler
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy's Brother
Broncho Billy
1915
A Cowboy's Mother-in-Law
Pete the Coyote
1910
Broncho Billy's Word of Honor
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Capture
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy's Jealousy
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
The Outlaw and the Child
Dan Warrington
1911
Film
A Westerner's Way
Big Bill Hastings
1910
Broncho Billy Butts In
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy and the Claim Jumpers
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy, a Friend in Need
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy Rewarded
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
When Love and Honor Called
Broncho Billy
1915
Under Western Skies
A Cowboy
1910
Film
A Wife of the Hills
Bart McGrew
1912
The Forest Ranger
Deputy Marshal Charles Wentworth
1910
Film
Broncho Billy and the Vigilante
Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy's Brother
Broncho Billy
1913
The Little Prospector
Hal Martin
1910
Trailed to the Hills
Harry Forsyth
1910
Red Blood and Yellow
Jack / Jim
1919
Film
Across the Plains
The Cowboy
1911
Film
An Indian's Friendship
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
Broncho Billy and the Bad Man
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy and the Western Girls
Broncho Billy
1913
The Girl and the Fugitive
Ross White
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Adventure
Broncho Billy
1911
Broncho Billy, the Vagabond
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy's Mistake
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
The Redemption of Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy and the Baby
Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy and the Lumber King
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Mother
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
The Corporation and the Ranch Girl
Gerald Todds
1911
Film
The Making of Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1913
The Tenderfoot Sheriff
Broncho Billy
1913
The Greater Duty
Bill Hinchley
1922
Film
Broncho Billy's Fatal Joke
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy and the Card Sharp
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
The Good-for-Nothing
Gilbert Sterling
1914
The Millionaire and the Squatter
Silas Strong
1911
The Forester's Plea
Rev. Small
1911
Film
A Western Redemption
Tom
1911
The Ranch Girl's Mistake
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
Broncho Billy and the Sisters
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Town Hall, Tonight
Broncho Bill
1911
He Met the Champion
The Referee
1910
Film
The Bandit's Child
Tom Fleming
1912
Film
Broncho Billy-Guardian
Broncho Billy
1914
The Redeemed Claim
Mr. Orr, a Government Assayist
1913
The Accusation of Broncho Billy
1913
The Tenderfoot Foreman
Jack Reed
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's True Love
Broncho Billy
1914
The Cowboy's Sweetheart
Jesse Farson
1910
The Spanish Girl
Tom 'Bud' Wilson
1909
Film
Charlie Chaplin: The Long Year at Essanay
Self (archive footage)
2017
An Indian Girl's Love
Jack Sherwood
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Last Hold-Up
Broncho Billy
1912
The Indian Maiden's Lesson
Revered Warren Addington
1911
Broncho Billy and the Land Grabber
Broncho Billy
1915
Forgiven in Death
Jack
1911
The Girl on Triple X
Jack Hartley
1910
Broncho Billy's Sister
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
The Reward for Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1912
The Ranch Feud
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
A Gambler of the West
Halsted
1910
Film
Broncho Billy and the Sheriff
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy's Dad
Broncho Billy
1914
The Brother, Sister and the Cowpuncher
1910
The Faithful Indian
Will Talbot
1911
Film
Broncho Billy Puts One Over
Broncho Billy
1914
The Infant at Snakeville
Broncho Billy
1911
The Bad Man's Christmas Gift
Andy Carson
1910
Broncho Billy Wins Out
Broncho Billy
1914
The Best Man Wins
1909
Film
Broncho Billy and the Escaped Bandit
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Bible
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
The Mexican's Faith
The Mexican
1910
Film
Ingomar of the Hills
Ingomar
1915
A Mexican's Gratitude
The Sheriff
1909
The Marked Trail
The Doctor
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Sentence
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Shootin' Mad
Broncho Billy
1918
Film
His Wife's Secret
The Burglar
1915
The Indian's Narrow Escape
The Indian
1915
Broncho Billy's Escapade
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Christmas Deed
Broncho Billy
1913
The Silent Message
Cal Evans
1910
Film
Stars of Yesterday
Self
1931
The Struggle
Dr. Sharp
1913
Film
Broncho Billy and the False Note
Broncho Billy
1915
Broncho Billy's Oath
Broncho Billy
1913
The Cattle King's Daughter
Buck Brady
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Elopement
Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy's Protégé
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy and the Sheriff's Kid
Broncho Billy
1913
The Mistaken Bandit
Innocent Cowboy
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Cunning
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy and the Outlaw's Mother
Broncho Billy
1913
A Ranchman's Wooing
1910
Suppressed Evidence
The Husband
1915
Film
The Tell-Tale Hand
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
The Outlaw's Sacrifice
1910
Film
The Tomboy on Bar Z
1912
Film
The Strategy of Broncho Billy's Sweetheart
Broncho Billy
1914
The Escape of Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Western Hearts
Sam Hardy
1912
The Tout's Remembrance
Bullets Brown
1910
An Unexpected Romance
The Landowner
1915
The Bad Man's Last Deed
The Bad Man
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Greaser Deputy
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
The Western Way
The Outlaw
1915
Film
The Smuggler's Daughter
Brant Graham
1912
Wine, Women and Song
The Young Man
1915
Broncho Billy and the Express Rider
Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy's Gun Play
Broncho Billy
1913
Western Stage Coach Hold Up
1904
Film
Broncho Billy and the Schoolmistress
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
Broncho Billy and the Bandits
Broncho Billy
1912
A Moonshiner's Heart
Tom Jackson
1912
Film
Broncho Billy and the Sheriff's Office
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy Misled
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
The Cowboy Coward
Steve
1911
The Bad Man's First Prayer
Bad Man Dan Quigley
1911
The Life of an American Cowboy
1906
Broncho Billy and the Girl
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Punishment
Broncho Billy
1914
His Reformation
Tom Carlton
1909
Film
Broncho Billy Outwitted
Broncho Billy
1912
Broncho Billy and the Step-Sisters
Broncho Billy
1913
The Revenue Agent
Tom
1915
Broncho Billy's Close Call
Broncho Billy
1914
The Cowboy and the Squaw
Tom Ripley, a Cowboy
1910
Film
Broncho Billy -- Gun-Man
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Humanity
Broncho Billy Adair
1917
Broncho Billy Begins Life Anew
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Bill's Last Spree
Broncho Bill
1911
Film
Red Riding Hood of the Hills
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy's Judgment
Broncho Billy
1914
The Count and the Cowboys
1911
The Sheriff's Sacrifice
1910
Film
The Indian and the Child
The Indian
1912
Film
Broncho Billy Gets Square
Broncho Billy
1913
The Foreman's Cousin
Bob Knight
1912
Film
The Train Wreckers
Last Train Wrecker
1905
Film
The Convict's Threat
The Convict
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Decision
Broncho Billy
1914
The Bandit King
1907
The Deputy's Love
Bob Dean
1910
The Crazy Prospector
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy and the Rattler
Broncho Billy
1914
Judgment
1909
Film
The Inference of Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1914
The Oath of His Office
Bob Graham
1912
Broncho Billy Evens Matters
Broncho Billy
1915
On El Monte Ranch
Jim Andrews - Foreman of the Ranch
1912
Broncho Billy's Marriage
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Duty
Broncho Billy
1914
Film
Broncho Billy Well Repaid
Broncho Billy
1915
Film
Broncho Billy's Mission
Broncho Billy
1914
The Dead Man's Claim
Jim Durkin
1912
The Bad Man's Downfall
Harry Perkins
1911
Her Return
The Husband
1915
The Man in Him
John Stone
1916
Shanghaied
1909
Film
Broncho Billy's Last Deed
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy and the Settler's Daughter
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy's Ward
Broncho Billy
1913
The Sheriff's Decision
Steve Jameson
1911
Western Chivalry
1910
Film
Broncho Billy and the Navajo Maid
Broncho Billy
1913
The Desperado
The New Sheriff
1910
The Man in the Cabin
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
What Happened in the Tunnel
1903
The Bunco Game at Lizardhead
1911
The Bad Man and the Preacher
James Smyth
1910
On the Cactus Trail
Jim Andrews
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Pal
Broncho Billy
1912
Film
The Stage Driver's Daughter
Tom Percival
1911
Film
Broncho Billy and the Mine Shark
Broncho Billy
1914
Circle C Ranch's Wedding Present
1910
Away Out West
A Dying Miner
1910
Film
The Outlaw's Awakening
The Outlaw
1915
The Count That Counted
1910
The Tenderfoot Messenger
1910
The Cattleman's Daughter
Frank Carpenter
1911
A Western Legacy
Walter Johnson
1912
The Desert Sweetheart
Jim Morris
1912
Film
A Road Agent's Love
Bob Farco
1912
The Road Agents
1909
An Arizona Escapade
Barnes
1912
A Western Sister's Devotion
Broncho Billy
1913
The Flower of the Ranch
Frank Wendell
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Strategy
Broncho Billy
1913
The Sheepman's Escape
Tom Harper
1912
The Millionaire and the Ranch Girl
Milton Rodd
1910
The Girl Back East
Jack King
1911
Film
Broncho Billy's Secret
Broncho Billy
1913
The Little Prospector
Broncho Billy
1915
The Outlaw Samaritan
Jack Mason
1911
The Romance on 'Bar O'
Sherwin Wells
1911
A Vein of Gold
Walt Rooney, Convict No. 999
1910
The Tribe's Penalty
Gray Wolf
1911
Film
Broncho Billy's First Arrest
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy and the Schoolmam's Sweetheart
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
The Deputy and the Girl
The Deputy
1912
The Dumb Half Breed's Defense
The Half-Breed
1910
Film
Broncho Billy and the Rustler's Child
Broncho Billy
1913
Broncho Billy's Reason
Broncho Billy
1913
Under Mexican Skies
Pasquale
1912
The Baseball Fan
1908
The Ranchman's Rival
Jim Watson
1909
Won by a Hold-Up
Old Rancher
1910
A Tale of the West
1909
Film
Broncho Billy and the Red Man
Broncho Billy
1914
Broncho Billy's Indian Romance
Broncho Billy
1914
Outlaw Deputy
Buck Stevens
1911
Film
Broncho Billy and the Maid
Broncho Billy
1913
At the Break of Dawn
Gilbert Randall
1911
The Unknown Claim
Bartwell
1910
The Fence on 'Bar Z' Ranch
Robert Graham
1910
Film
The Son-of-a-Gun
Bill
1919
An Indian's Sacrifice
Grey Deer
1911
Film
The Face at the Curtain
The Burglar
1915
The Ranch Girl's Trial
Dave Price
1912
The Little Doctor of the Foothills
1910
Broncho Billy and the Squatter's Daughter
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
Broncho Billy's Conscience
Broncho Billy
1913
The Ranger's Bride
A Texas Ranger / The 'Bride'
1910
Trail to the West
1910
The Bachelor's Baby
The Bachelor
1915
A Western Maid
1910
Film
The New Schoolmarm of Green River
The Sheriff
1913
The Ranchman's Feud
The Doctor
1910
Carmenita the Faithful
1911
The Puncher's Law
Tom Patterson
1911
Broncho Billy's Love Affair
Broncho Billy
1912
A Maid of the Mountains
1909
Electric Insoles
1910
The Heart of a Cowboy
Honest Steve
1909
The Wealth of the Poor
The Husband
1915
The Deputy's Love Affair
Bill Simpson
1912
The Ranchman's Trust
Bill Dunham - Ranch Foreman
1912
The Tie That Binds
The Husband
1915
The Sheriff and His Man
The Arizona Kid
1912
The Black Sheep
1909
The Power of Good
Jim Reed - an Outlaw
1911
The Influence on Broncho Billy
Broncho Billy
1913
Film
The Messenger Boy's Mistake
Cholly
1903
Broncho Billy's Grit
Broncho Billy
1913
A Child of the Purple Sage
Bart Darrow
1912
Film
Broncho Billy's Christmas Spirit
Broncho Billy
1914
The Bandit's Wife
1910
Broncho Billy's Parents
Broncho Billy
1915
The Ranch Girl's Legacy
Jack Tyler
1910
Film
Broncho Billy's Gratitude
Broncho Billy
1912
What a Woman Can Do
Frank Mills
1911
The Indian Trailer
1909
The Bandit Makes Good
1908
The Wheels of Safety
Dr. Sharp
1913