George Lessey

George Lessey (June 8, 1879 – June 3, 1947) was an American actor and director of the silent era. He appeared in more than 120 films between 1910 and 1946. He also directed more than 70 films between 1913 and 1922. Lessey was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, and as a boy he acted in theatrical productions there. He graduated from Amherst College. For a year, Lessey was a leading man for Edison Studios, after which he directed films for the company for two years. In 1914, he joined Universal Studios as a director. He portrayed Romeo in the initial film version of Romeo and Juliet, directed the first serial, What Happened to Mary, and played the first dual role in film as twins in The Corsican Brothers. On stage, Lessey appeared in the original Broadway production of Porgy and Bess (1935) in one of the few white roles, that of the lawyer Mr. Archdale. In the 1930s, Lessey worked as a model for men's clothes. Lessey was married to the former May Abbey. On June 3, 1947, Lessey died on vacation in Westbrook, Connecticut, aged 67. ()