William Gillette
#134152 Most Popular
About
Helped shape the image of the modern detective with his use of a deerstalker hat and curved pipe in his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage in more than 1,300 appearances. Eventually, he brought the character to film as well.
Before Fame
He was also a playwright, director, and inventor who had one of his earlier stage roles in Held by the Enemy.
Trivia
One of his on-screen roles as the famed detective was in a silent film that is lost.
Family Life
He was married to Helen Nichols from 1882 until 1888, when she died of a ruptured appendix.
Associated With
He was born in Nook Farm, Connecticut where famed author Mark Twain also resided.
