Bert Woodruff, the offspring of Hannah R. and William A. Woodruff, two individuals without a background in professional pursuits, from the city of Peoria, Illinois, took his first steps towards a career in the performing arts in the year 1876.
Noteworthy was the career trajectory of William F. "Bill" Woodruff, whose initial foray into the world of entertainment was marked by a stint with the esteemed Minstrels, a prominent troupe of its time. Following this formative experience, Woodruff embarked upon a journey to the stage in 1878, where he continued to hone his craft through a period of extensive touring, which lasted until 1882.
Woodruff embarked upon a remarkable journey in the world of entertainment, initially taking on the role of an Irish performer, a character he would convincingly portray from 1889 until the year 1891.
Following this successful stint, Woodruff's ambitions led him to explore the realm of theatre management, where he would go on to oversee the operations of various esteemed establishments across the Midwest region.
In particular, he was responsible for the management of theatres in Davenport, Iowa, as well as Sheboygan, Wisconsin, before subsequently moving on to Chicago and Springfield, Illinois.
Throughout his tenure as a theatre manager, spanning from 1889 to 1904, Woodruff's dedication and expertise undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment, as he skillfully navigated the complexities of running a successful theatre operation.
In the year that followed, Woodruff made the significant decision to relocate to the sun-kissed state of California, where he would go on to join a renowned Carnival company, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in his life.
It wasn't long before Woodruff's creative inclinations led him to venture into the world of cinema, a move that would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career. In 1916, he had the great fortune of collaborating with the illustrious D. W. Griffith, a renowned filmmaker of his time.
This collaboration resulted in Woodruff's appearance in a string of films, each one showcasing his remarkable talent and versatility as an actor. Some of the notable films he appeared in during this period include "Jim Bludson," a gripping drama that explored the complexities of the human experience; "Veteran Sinners," a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition; "Children of Dust," a poignant and powerful portrayal of the struggles faced by those who are often overlooked; "Flaming Gold," a thrilling adventure that captivated audiences with its daring stunts and heart-pumping action; "The Barrier," a tense and suspenseful thriller that kept viewers on the edge of their seats; "The Fire Brigade," a heartwarming and inspiring tale of bravery and selflessness; "Spring Fever," a light-hearted and romantic comedy that brought joy and laughter to audiences; "Speedy," a high-octane action film that thrilled viewers with its breakneck pace and death-defying stunts; "Masked Money," a clever and cunning mystery that kept audiences guessing until the very end; and "The Awakening," a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explored the complexities of the human psyche.
Noteworthy among the cinematic endeavors of this individual is the accumulation of appearances in a staggering total of nine feature films directed by the renowned Charles Ray, a prominent figure in the early days of Hollywood. Furthermore, this prolific performer's filmography also boasts a notable credit in the 1929 production of "Song of Kentucky", a significant milestone in the evolution of the American film industry.
