Burr McIntosh

Biography

William Burr McIntosh, who would become widely known as Burr McIntosh, began his remarkable journey in Ohio in 1862. His father, William Ambrose, presided over a public utility and the Cleveland Gas Coal Company, an affluent foundation that paved the way for Burr's education at Lafayette College in Princeton. There, in 1884, he was initiated into the Sigma Chi fraternity. He soon gravitated towards the footlights, becoming a fixture on the Broadway stage. His commanding presence in the 1905 production of 'Trilby' stands as perhaps his most enduring stage triumph. This hefty, bald, and intelligent presence smoothly transitioned from the stage's embrace to the nascent world of film. His cinematic journey began in 1914 with a starring turn as Jo Vernon in Lawrence B. McGill's 'In Mizzoura,' produced by the All Star Feature Film Co. Though perhaps most vividly recalled as the stern Squire Bartlett in D.W. Griffith's seminal 1920 drama 'Way Down East,' sharing the screen with Lillian Gish, McIntosh’s prolific career extended far beyond this memorable role. He seamlessly navigated the transition to talkies, gracing the screen in many early sound productions. His final cinematic appearance came in 1934, portraying a role in RKO Film Co.'s 'The Richest Girl in the World,' starring Miriam Hopkins. Beyond his acting prowess, McIntosh cultivated a remarkably diverse portfolio. He published the esteemed 'Burr McIntosh Monthly' magazine and captivated audiences as a lecturer, endearingly branding himself 'The Cheerful Philosopher.' His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to own a film production company, while his talents extended to authorship, reporting, and even pioneering work as a radio actor. The 1930s also marked a period of profound philanthropy for him, as he tirelessly gathered toys for impoverished families. This multifaceted figure passed away in Hollywood in 1942 at the age of 80, his life concluding with a heart attack.