Billy Bevan

A forgotten comedic legend fights to preserve his legacy as Hollywood mispronounces his name and erases his contributions from the spotlight.

Born

June 17, 1887

Died

1957

Also:
Director

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Acted for six decades — 59 credits.

Remembered for

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Biography

Billy Bevan was an Australian-born vaudevillian who became a prolific American film actor, appearing in over 250 films from 1916 to 1952. Known for his comedic roles, Bevan's career spanned the silent and early sound eras of Hollywood. He died shortly before gaining renewed attention through Robert Youngson's silent-comedy compilations, which mistakenly pronounced his name as "Be-VAN." Bevan himself corrected the pronunciation in a 1930 Voice of Hollywood reel, stating it should rhyme with "seven."

Filmography · 59 of 59

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