Mini Biography
A character actor whose film career spanned from Hollywood's Silent Era until the 1950's. Born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 11, 1882, Erville would start his film career in 1918 at the age of 36 in 'Her Man'. Film pioneer D.W Griffith utilized Erville in many of his films, including 1924's 'America' and 'Isn't Life Wonderful'. In 1926 Erville was in 'Sally Of The Sawdust', and for the first time worked behind as well as in front of the camera, as the movie's Assistant Director. By the time talkies became the norm, Erville found his age and white hair earned him many 'old codger' roles as everything from a sheriff to a blank clerk, although a lot of his roles fell into the the 'uncredited' bit category. Despite this he did manage to make his mark in several credited roles, with one of the best being his portrayal of Nate Tompkins in 1942's Sgt. York. His last film role would be uncredited in 1957's 'The Spirit Of St. Louis', and on August 4, 1957 he would pass away at the age of 74 in Glendale, California.
Mini Biography By:
Keith Burnage webmaster@sgt-york.com