Mack Swain, born Moroni Swain on February 16, 1876, was a pioneering American film actor who made a significant impact in the early days of cinema. He began his career in the entertainment industry by performing in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films at Keystone Studios under the guidance of Mack Sennett.
Swain's early work at Keystone Studios led to him being teamed with Chester Conklin, with whom he created a series of comedy films. Their iconic characters, "Ambrose" and the "Walrus", appeared in several films, including The Battle of Ambrose and Walrus and Love, Speed and Thrills, both released in 1915.
Throughout his career, Swain worked alongside some of the most renowned figures in the film industry, including Mabel Normand, Charles Chaplin, Roscoe Arbuckle, and many others. He was a versatile actor who appeared in a wide range of films, from comedies to major features.
In addition to his work at Keystone Studios, Swain also took his "Ambrose" character with him to the L-KO Kompany. He later reunited with Charles Chaplin at First National in 1921, appearing in The Idle Class, Pay Day, and The Pilgrim. One of his most notable roles was as Big Jim McKay in the 1925 film The Gold Rush, a classic comedy written by and starring Chaplin.
For his outstanding contributions to the motion picture industry, Mack Swain was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1500 Vine Street.
