Tiny Ward

Roscoe Samuel ("Tiny") Ward (2 January 1893 1893 – 12 September 1956) was an American actor. He occasionally was billed as Jack "Tiny" Ward. Due to his appearance in several "classics" he is a fairly well-known face in film history.

In the 1920s he worked primarily in Mack Sennett comedies, frequently under the direction of Harry Edwards and often supporting Harry Langdon. He also worked with Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Lon Chaney.

Life[]

He was born on 2 January 1893 in Indian Point near Abingdon, Illinois the son of Roscoe E. Ward (1855-1925).^{[citation needed]} He was exceptionally tall (6'7") earning him the sarcastic nickname "Tiny".^[1]

He was popular and although never achieving a lead role, he was a frequent choice as either a burly policeman or tough guy. Unlike many fellow actors he survive the transition from silent to sound in 1930. Sadly after leaving Mack Sennett as a regular he had few notable roles other than a brief spate of work with The Three Stooges.^[2] He also appeared in the "Smith" series of films with Raymond McKee but these now fail to receive much recognition despite contemporary success.^[3]

He appears to have got in "The Old Man's Draft" of April 1942 in the Second World War which not-so-much drafted men from 45 to 64, but assessed the potential of unemployed men to serve the war effort. He was at that time 49. His appearance in the draft suggests unemployment (typical for all actors).^[4][5] He does not appear to have had any active service (or reallocation) and reappears in at least two films prior to the end of the war.

He died in Los Angeles on 12 September 1956.^[6] He is buried with his family in Abingdon Cemetery in Abingdon, Illinois.^{[citation needed]}

Known Works[]

References[]