Person Biography:
Frank "Fatty" Alexander was a renowned obese comedian who appeared in numerous silent and two-reel slapstick comedies. Born on May 25, 1879, in Olympia, Washington, Alexander began his career as a cowboy and stage driver before transitioning to Hollywood. He made his screen debut with Keystone in 1915, supporting screen comedian Syd Chaplin in "Gussle's Backward Way."
Alexander's early career was marked by his association with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, after whom he modeled his screen persona. He went on to appear in over 27 films with Larry Semon, a white-faced comedian, at Vitagraph, including "Pluck and Plotters" (1918) and "The Perfect Clown" (1925).
Alexander's most notable role was as Avery DuPays, the city's wealthiest man, in the 1924 film "Kid Speed." He also appeared in the "Ton of Fun" series, a low-budget comedy series featuring three heavyweights, including Hilliard Karrand 'Kewpie Ross,' from 1925 to 1927.
After the success of the "Ton of Fun" series, Alexander's career began to decline, and he appeared in supporting roles at Hal Roach Studios, including "Feed 'em and Weep" (1928) and "Madame Q" (1929). With the advent of sound, Alexander's career tailed off, and he appeared in bit parts as a fat man in various films.
Frank "Fatty" Alexander passed away on September 8, 1937, at the age of 58, in his home on Lankershim Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. His Variety obituary reported that he was 440 pounds at the time of his death.
