Edward Clark

Biography

Edward Clark, known professionally as E.A. Clarke, forged a career as a prolific screen actor, spanning both the silent and sound eras of cinema. In Hollywood, he predominantly graced the screen, evolving from leading roles in silent dramas to more modest, yet consistent, supporting parts that carried his presence into the 1950s. It is essential to distinguish him from two other notable figures who shared his name. One such Edward Clark was a versatile creative force: a songwriter responsible for "Heart of My Heart," a composer, author, director, and producer. This individual, who arrived in the USA in 1891, began his career as a vaudeville comedian. His extensive Broadway contributions include composing the score and libretto for "Little Miss Charity," directing "You're in Love" and "Oh, What a Girl," penning the librettos for "Honey Girl" and "Paradise Alley," and writing the plays "Coat Tails," "The Blushing Bride," and "Relations," even appearing in the latter production. The actor E.A. Clarke is also distinct from a third Edward Clark, who devoted seventeen years to operating his own acting school and worked as a contract film writer. This individual joined ASCAP in 1940 and frequently collaborated with musical luminaries such as Rudolf Friml, Otto Harbach, and Albert Von Tilzer. His catalog of popular songs includes "Say Sis, Give Us a Kiss," "My Old Man is Baseball Mad," "Ring a Ding Dong," "On Hawaiian Shores," "Take a Look at Me Now," "You're in Love," "I'm Only Dreaming," and "Just One Good Time."