Roscoe Arbuckle Biography, Net Worth, Height, Relationship and More

Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle, also known as Fatty Arbuckle, was an American silent film actor, director, and screenwriter. Born on March 24, 1887, in Smith Center, Kansas, Arbuckle began his career at the Selig Polyscope Company before moving to Keystone Studios. Throughout his career, he worked alongside notable actors and comedians such as Mabel Normand, Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton.

Arbuckle’s talent and popularity in the film industry led to him becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. In 1920, he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures for a remarkable $1,000,000 a year. However, his success was eclipsed by a highly publicized scandal that accused him of rape and manslaughter.

Despite being acquitted in trials, the scandal tarnished Arbuckle’s reputation and had a significant impact on his career. He passed away on June 29, 1933, leaving behind a controversial legacy. In this article, we will delve into the early life, career, personal life, net worth, height, and the controversy surrounding Roscoe Arbuckle.

Early Life of Roscoe Arbuckle

Roscoe Arbuckle, born on March 24, 1887, in Smith Center, Kansas, had an interesting early life full of challenges and opportunities. Being one of nine children, Roscoe was born weighing over 13 pounds—an extraordinary size at birth. His father, considering him illegitimate, named him after Senator Roscoe Conkling, whom he despised. When Roscoe was nearly two years old, his family relocated to Santa Ana, California.

From a young age, Roscoe displayed a keen interest in performing. By the age of 8, he started appearing on stage with Frank Bacon’s company, showcasing his talent and passion for entertaining audiences. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Roscoe’s mother passed away when he was just 11 years old. Struggling to find stability, Roscoe’s father refused to support him, leaving him to rely on odd jobs such as working in a hotel.

Despite his hardships, Roscoe’s determination and love for the stage propelled him forward. He eventually found his way into vaudeville, where he would begin his career as a performer. This marked the beginning of a path that would lead him to become one of the most influential actors in the silent film era.

Career of Roscoe Arbuckle

Roscoe Arbuckle began his career in the film industry in 1909, starring in “Ben’s Kid” for the Selig Polyscope Company. After that, he moved on to Universal Pictures and found success as a star in Mack Sennett’s Keystone Cops comedies. Arbuckle’s physical size, combined with his comedic timing and agility, made him a popular actor. He was also known for his acrobatic skills and had a talent for singing, which was recognized and encouraged by renowned tenor Enrico Caruso. In 1914, Paramount Pictures offered him a lucrative contract, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors at the time.

Not content with just acting, Arbuckle went on to establish his own film company, Comique, and collaborated closely with Buster Keaton, who would go on to become a comedy legend. Together, they created a string of successful films that showcased their comedic talents. However, Arbuckle’s career took a devastating turn when he became embroiled in a scandal that would have a lasting impact on his personal and professional life.

Personal Life and Relationships of Roscoe Arbuckle

Roscoe Arbuckle had a vibrant personal life, marked by three marriages throughout his lifetime. His first marriage was to Minta Durfee in 1908, with whom he appeared in numerous early comedy films. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 1925.

Arbuckle’s second marriage took place in the same year as his divorce from Minta Durfee. He married Doris Deane in 1925, but their union only lasted until 1929, when they also went their separate ways.

In 1932, Arbuckle entered into his third and final marriage to Addie Oakley Dukes McPhail. Despite his tumultuous personal life, Arbuckle did not have any children from any of his marriages.

While the scandal that overshadowed his career had a significant impact on his personal life, the details of Arbuckle’s relationships outside of his marriages remain largely unknown.

Net Worth of Roscoe Arbuckle

Roscoe Arbuckle was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood during his career. In 1920, he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures for $1,000,000 a year, which was a significant sum at the time. Adjusted for inflation, his net worth would be equivalent to $14.6 million in 2022.

However, the scandal and subsequent fallout had a negative impact on his career and financial success. Despite being acquitted in the trials, the scandal tarnished his reputation and affected his earning potential. It’s difficult to determine his exact net worth at the time of his death, but he had amassed a substantial fortune during his career.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Roscoe Arbuckle’s talent and success in the film industry were undeniable. He remains a fascinating figure in the history of Hollywood, and his net worth reflects the immense popularity and impact he had during his time.

Height of Roscoe Arbuckle

Roscoe Arbuckle, known for his larger-than-life persona, weighed around 300 pounds (136 kg) at his heaviest. While his exact height is not widely documented, it can be assumed that he was above average height for a man of his time.

There are no specific records or sources that provide an exact measurement of Arbuckle’s height. However, considering his size and stature, it is likely that he stood taller than the average man. His physical presence was an integral part of his comedic style and added to his on-screen appeal.

Legacy of Roscoe Arbuckle

The legacy of Roscoe Arbuckle is multifaceted and often overshadowed by the scandal that marred his career. Despite the accusations against him, Arbuckle was a highly talented actor and comedian who left an indelible mark on the silent film era.

Arbuckle’s influence extended beyond his own performances, as he mentored and inspired numerous comedic talents who would go on to achieve great success. Notable figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Bob Hope were all influenced by Arbuckle’s comedic style and timing.

One of Arbuckle’s most significant contributions to the film industry was his discovery of vaudeville star Buster Keaton. Recognizing Keaton’s exceptional talent, Arbuckle played a pivotal role in introducing him to the movie industry, paving the way for Keaton’s groundbreaking career as a silent film actor and director.

The Legacy of Roscoe Arbuckle:

• Mentored and inspired legendary comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Bob Hope
• Introduced vaudeville star Buster Keaton to the movie industry, contributing to Keaton’s success
• Left an indelible mark on the silent film era with his unique comedic style and impeccable timing
• Influenced future generations of comedic actors and filmmakers
• Despite his career being cut short, Arbuckle’s contributions to film and comedy should not be forgotten

The controversy surrounding Arbuckle’s personal life and the scandal that tarnished his reputation should not overshadow the impact he had on the entertainment industry. His legacy as a trailblazing comedic talent and influential mentor continues to resonate among performers and filmmakers to this day.

Controversy and Scandal

Roscoe Arbuckle’s career was overshadowed by a highly publicized scandal in the early 1920s. In 1921, he faced accusations of rape and manslaughter following an incident at a party he hosted at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. The scandal surrounding the accusations against Roscoe Arbuckle generated significant media attention and had a profound impact on his reputation and career.

After enduring a series of trials, Arbuckle was ultimately acquitted of all charges. However, the scandal left a lasting mark on his legacy and the film industry as a whole.

The specifics of the incident and the validity of the accusations have been widely debated over the years. Despite his acquittal, the scandal continues to be a significant part of Roscoe Arbuckle’s story.

Death of Roscoe Arbuckle

Roscoe Arbuckle’s life came to an end on June 29, 1933, at the age of 46. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, succumbing to a heart attack. It was a tragic loss, compounded by the fact that this happened on the very day he had signed a contract with Warner Bros. for an upcoming feature film.

The death of Roscoe Arbuckle marked the conclusion of a tumultuous and controversial career. Despite the challenges he faced, Arbuckle’s impact on the film industry cannot be understated. His talent and comedic genius influenced future generations of actors, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

While his reputation was marred by scandal, it is important to remember the contributions Arbuckle made to the silent film era. His mentorship of renowned comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Bob Hope played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of comedy. Even though his career was cut short, his legacy lives on.