Portrait of William Desmond

William Desmond

Bio: Starting out in dramatic parts, Desmond soon switched to westerns and action serials, and became a major western star. When the sound era began Desmond was almost 50 years old, and was soon relegated to supporting roles
Born: Wed, Jan 23 1878
Birthplace: Horseheads, New York, USA

Death: Thu, Nov 03 1949
William Desmond is 71 years old
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Movies (Acting Roles)

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Poster of Savage Fury
Savage Fury
William Desmond would have been no older than 71 in Savage Fury as 'Allen (archive footage)'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 01 1956
Poster of Thunder Mountain
Thunder Mountain
William Desmond was 69 in Thunder Mountain as 'Townsman (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jun 01 1947
Poster of The Egg and I
The Egg and I
William Desmond was 69 in The Egg and I as 'Spectator at Country Dance (Uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Thu, May 01 1947
Poster of Code of the West
Code of the West
William Desmond was 69 in Code of the West as 'Settler (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Thu, Feb 20 1947
Poster of Desert Command
Desert Command
William Desmond was 68 in Desert Command as 'Capt. Boncour'.
Movie Released: Fri, May 31 1946
Poster of Strange Confession
Strange Confession
William Desmond was 67 in Strange Confession as 'Peanut Vendor (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Fri, Oct 05 1945
Poster of The Naughty Nineties
The Naughty Nineties
William Desmond was 67 in The Naughty Nineties as 'Showboat Customer (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jun 20 1945
Poster of The Return of the Durango Kid
The Return of the Durango Kid
William Desmond was 67 in The Return of the Durango Kid as 'Street Ambusher (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Thu, Apr 19 1945
Poster of The Climax
The Climax
William Desmond was 66 in The Climax as 'Backstage Technician (Uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Fri, Oct 20 1944
Poster of The Mummy's Ghost
The Mummy's Ghost
William Desmond was 66 in The Mummy's Ghost as 'Museum Tourist (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jul 07 1944
Poster of Phantom Lady
Phantom Lady
William Desmond was 66 in Phantom Lady as 'Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 28 1944
Poster of Thank Your Lucky Stars
Thank Your Lucky Stars
William Desmond was 65 in Thank Your Lucky Stars as 'Gower Gulch Cowboy (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Sat, Sep 25 1943
Poster of Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera
William Desmond was 65 in Phantom of the Opera as 'Stagehand (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Thu, Aug 12 1943
Poster of The Lone Star Trail
The Lone Star Trail
William Desmond was 65 in The Lone Star Trail as 'Bartender Mike'.
Movie Released: Fri, Aug 06 1943
Poster of Cheyenne Roundup
Cheyenne Roundup
William Desmond was 65 in Cheyenne Roundup as 'Pete'.
Movie Released: Mon, Apr 12 1943
Poster of Overland Mail
Overland Mail
William Desmond was 64 in Overland Mail as 'Williams - Banker'.
Movie Released: Tue, Sep 22 1942
Poster of The Silver Bullet
The Silver Bullet
William Desmond was 64 in The Silver Bullet as 'Townsman'.
Movie Released: Wed, Aug 05 1942
Poster of Down Rio Grande Way
Down Rio Grande Way
William Desmond was 64 in Down Rio Grande Way as 'Townsman'.
Movie Released: Thu, Apr 23 1942
Poster of Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie
Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie
William Desmond was 63 in Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie as 'Bartender'.
Movie Released: Fri, Mar 21 1941
Poster of Where Did You Get That Girl?
Where Did You Get That Girl?
William Desmond was 62 in Where Did You Get That Girl? as 'Tourist'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 03 1941
Poster of Junior G-Men
Junior G-Men
William Desmond was 62 in Junior G-Men as 'Irish Cop (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Fri, Nov 01 1940
Poster of The Boys from Syracuse
The Boys from Syracuse
William Desmond was 62 in The Boys from Syracuse as 'Citizen'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jul 30 1940
Poster of Winners of the West
Winners of the West
William Desmond was 62 in Winners of the West as 'Bill Brine'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jul 02 1940
Poster of Tim Tyler's Luck
Tim Tyler's Luck
William Desmond was 59 in Tim Tyler's Luck as 'Dock Official'.
Movie Released: Mon, Dec 27 1937
Poster of Song of the Gringo
Song of the Gringo
William Desmond was 58 in Song of the Gringo as 'Bailiff'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 22 1936
Poster of The Vigilantes Are Coming
The Vigilantes Are Coming
William Desmond was 58 in The Vigilantes Are Coming as 'Anderson, Vigilante Member'.
Movie Released: Fri, Aug 21 1936
Poster of Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard
William Desmond was 58 in Hollywood Boulevard as 'Pago Pago Patron (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Thu, Aug 20 1936
Poster of Treachery Rides the Range
Treachery Rides the Range
William Desmond was 58 in Treachery Rides the Range as 'Bill'.
Movie Released: Sat, May 02 1936
Poster of Song of the Saddle
Song of the Saddle
William Desmond was 58 in Song of the Saddle as 'Tim'.
Movie Released: Fri, Feb 28 1936
Poster of The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
William Desmond was 57 in The Adventures of Frank Merriwell as 'Captain of the 'Viking''.
Movie Released: Mon, Jan 13 1936
Poster of The Broken Coin
The Broken Coin
William Desmond was 57 in The Broken Coin
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 10 1936
Poster of Custer's Last Stand
Custer's Last Stand
William Desmond was 57 in Custer's Last Stand as 'Wagon Master'.
Movie Released: Thu, Jan 02 1936
Poster of Headin' for the Rio Grande
Headin' for the Rio Grande
William Desmond was 57 in Headin' for the Rio Grande as 'Mr. Mack (cattle buyer)'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jan 01 1936
Poster of Frisco Kid
Frisco Kid
William Desmond was 57 in Frisco Kid as 'Vigilante Hangman (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Sat, Nov 30 1935
Poster of Tailspin Tommy in The Great Air Mystery
Tailspin Tommy in The Great Air Mystery
William Desmond was 57 in Tailspin Tommy in The Great Air Mystery as 'Foreman Burke'.
Movie Released: Sun, Oct 20 1935
Poster of Powdersmoke Range
Powdersmoke Range
William Desmond was 57 in Powdersmoke Range as 'Happy - Bartender'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 27 1935
Poster of Courage of the North
Courage of the North
William Desmond was 57 in Courage of the North as 'Gene Travis'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 01 1935
Poster of The Roaring West
The Roaring West
William Desmond was 57 in The Roaring West as 'Jim Parker'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jul 08 1935
Poster of Social Error
Social Error
William Desmond was 57 in Social Error as 'Policeman'.
Movie Released: Tue, Apr 30 1935
Poster of The Call of the Savage
The Call of the Savage
William Desmond was 57 in The Call of the Savage as 'Allen'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 14 1935
Poster of The Ghost Rider
The Ghost Rider
William Desmond was 57 in The Ghost Rider as 'Guard'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 07 1935
Poster of Cyclone of the Saddle
Cyclone of the Saddle
William Desmond was 57 in Cyclone of the Saddle as 'Wagon Master'.
Movie Released: Wed, Apr 03 1935
Poster of The Cowboy and the Bandit
The Cowboy and the Bandit
William Desmond was 57 in The Cowboy and the Bandit as 'Sheriff Pete'.
Movie Released: Tue, Apr 02 1935
Poster of Born to Battle
Born to Battle
William Desmond was 57 in Born to Battle as 'John Brownell'.
Movie Released: Mon, Apr 01 1935
Poster of Naughty Marietta
Naughty Marietta
William Desmond was 57 in Naughty Marietta as 'Gendarme Chief (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Fri, Mar 29 1935
Poster of Wild Waters
Wild Waters
William Desmond was 57 in Wild Waters as 'Sheriff Manning'.
Movie Released: Sun, Mar 03 1935
Poster of Timber Terrors
Timber Terrors
William Desmond was 56 in Timber Terrors as 'Royce Horter'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jan 01 1935
Poster of Rustlers of Red Dog
Rustlers of Red Dog
William Desmond was 56 in Rustlers of Red Dog as 'Ira Dale [Chs. 1-4, 6, 10-12]'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jan 01 1935
Poster of When Lightning Strikes
When Lightning Strikes
William Desmond was 56 in When Lightning Strikes as 'Marshal Jack Stevens'.
Movie Released: Tue, Dec 18 1934
Poster of Frontier Days
Frontier Days
William Desmond was 56 in Frontier Days as 'Sheriff Barnes'.
Movie Released: Wed, Nov 14 1934
Poster of The Way of the West
The Way of the West
William Desmond was 56 in The Way of the West as ''Cash' Horton (as Wm. Desmond)'.
Movie Released: Sun, Oct 14 1934
Poster of The Red Rider
The Red Rider
William Desmond was 56 in The Red Rider as 'Sheriff Campbell'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jul 16 1934
Poster of I Can't Escape
I Can't Escape
William Desmond was 56 in I Can't Escape as 'Parole Officer Donovan'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jul 04 1934
Poster of Crack-Up
Crack-Up
William Desmond was 56 in Crack-Up as 'Police Chief'.
Movie Released: Sat, Jun 02 1934
Poster of The Vanishing Shadow
The Vanishing Shadow
William Desmond was 56 in The Vanishing Shadow as 'MacDonald'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 22 1934
Poster of The Rawhide Terror
The Rawhide Terror
William Desmond was 56 in The Rawhide Terror as 'Tom Blake'.
Movie Released: Mon, Mar 19 1934
Poster of Border Guns
Border Guns
William Desmond was 56 in Border Guns as 'Dr. Jim Wilson'.
Movie Released: Thu, Feb 01 1934
Poster of Pirate Treasure
Pirate Treasure
William Desmond was 56 in Pirate Treasure as 'Capt. Jim Carson'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jan 29 1934
Poster of Fargo Express
Fargo Express
William Desmond was 55 in Fargo Express as 'Sheriff Joe Thompson'.
Movie Released: Mon, Nov 20 1933
Poster of Perils of Pauline
Perils of Pauline
William Desmond was 55 in Perils of Pauline as 'Prof. Thompson'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 05 1933
Poster of Strawberry Roan
Strawberry Roan
William Desmond was 55 in Strawberry Roan as 'Colonel Brownlee'.
Movie Released: Thu, Oct 26 1933
Poster of Mr. Broadway
Mr. Broadway
William Desmond was 55 in Mr. Broadway as '1st Suitor (archive footage)'.
Movie Released: Tue, Sep 12 1933
Poster of Gordon of Ghost City
Gordon of Ghost City
William Desmond was 55 in Gordon of Ghost City as 'John Mulford'.
Movie Released: Sun, Aug 13 1933
Poster of Laughing at Life
Laughing at Life
William Desmond was 55 in Laughing at Life as 'Military Cabinet Officer'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jul 12 1933
Poster of The Phantom of the Air
The Phantom of the Air
William Desmond was 55 in The Phantom of the Air as 'Thomas Edmonds'.
Movie Released: Sun, May 21 1933
Poster of The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers
William Desmond was 55 in The Three Musketeers as 'Capt. Boncour'.
Movie Released: Fri, Apr 07 1933
Poster of The Rustler's Roundup
The Rustler's Roundup
William Desmond was 55 in The Rustler's Roundup as 'San Dimas Sheriff Holden'.
Movie Released: Thu, Mar 16 1933
Poster of Clancy of the Mounted
Clancy of the Mounted
William Desmond was 55 in Clancy of the Mounted as 'Dave Moran'.
Movie Released: Mon, Feb 27 1933
Poster of A Scarlet Week-End
A Scarlet Week-End
William Desmond was 54 in A Scarlet Week-End
Movie Released: Wed, Nov 30 1932
Poster of The Last Frontier
The Last Frontier
William Desmond was 54 in The Last Frontier as 'General Custer'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 04 1932
Poster of Heroes of the West
Heroes of the West
William Desmond was 54 in Heroes of the West as 'John Blaine'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jun 19 1932
Poster of Battling with Buffalo Bill
Battling with Buffalo Bill
William Desmond was 53 in Battling with Buffalo Bill as 'John Mills'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 22 1931
Poster of The Lightning Warrior
The Lightning Warrior
William Desmond was 53 in The Lightning Warrior as 'Townsman (uncredited)'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 01 1931
Poster of Oklahoma Jim
Oklahoma Jim
William Desmond was 53 in Oklahoma Jim as 'Lacy'.
Movie Released: Sat, Oct 10 1931
Poster of The Vanishing Legion
The Vanishing Legion
William Desmond was 53 in The Vanishing Legion as 'Milesburg Sheriff'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jun 01 1931
Poster of The Phantom of the West
The Phantom of the West
William Desmond was 52 in The Phantom of the West as 'Martin Blair'.
Movie Released: Mon, Nov 10 1930
Poster of No Defense
No Defense
William Desmond was 51 in No Defense as 'John Harper'.
Movie Released: Fri, Apr 05 1929
Poster of No Children
No Children
William Desmond was 51 in No Children as 'Self'.
Movie Released: Sun, Mar 10 1929
Poster of The Mystery Rider
The Mystery Rider
William Desmond was 50 in The Mystery Rider as 'Winthrop Lane / The Mystery Rider'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 25 1928
Poster of The Vanishing Rider
The Vanishing Rider
William Desmond was 49 in The Vanishing Rider as 'Jim Davis / The Vanishing Rider'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jan 16 1928
Poster of The Strings of Steel
The Strings of Steel
William Desmond was 48 in The Strings of Steel as 'Ned Brown'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jun 28 1926
Poster of The Ace of Spades
The Ace of Spades
William Desmond was 47 in The Ace of Spades as 'Dan Harvey'.
Movie Released: Mon, Oct 19 1925
Poster of The Meddler
The Meddler
William Desmond was 47 in The Meddler as 'Richard Gilmore'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jun 28 1925
Poster of The Burning Trail
The Burning Trail
William Desmond was 47 in The Burning Trail as 'Smiling Bill Flannigan'.
Movie Released: Sun, May 10 1925
Poster of Straight Through
Straight Through
William Desmond was 47 in Straight Through as 'Good Deed O'Day'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 05 1925
Poster of Barriers of the Law
Barriers of the Law
William Desmond was 47 in Barriers of the Law as 'Rex Brandon'.
Movie Released: Thu, Mar 26 1925
Poster of Ridin' Pretty
Ridin' Pretty
William Desmond was 47 in Ridin' Pretty as 'Sky Parker'.
Movie Released: Sun, Feb 22 1925
Poster of Outwitted
Outwitted
William Desmond was 46 in Outwitted as 'Jack Blaisdel'.
Movie Released: Thu, Jan 01 1925
Poster of The Sunset Trail
The Sunset Trail
William Desmond was 46 in The Sunset Trail as 'Happy Hobo'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 02 1924
Poster of The Measure of a Man
The Measure of a Man
William Desmond was 46 in The Measure of a Man as 'John Fairmeadow'.
Movie Released: Tue, Oct 14 1924
Poster of Hello, 'Frisco
Hello, 'Frisco
William Desmond was 46 in Hello, 'Frisco as 'William Desmond'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 28 1924
Poster of The Breathless Moment
The Breathless Moment
William Desmond was 46 in The Breathless Moment as 'Billy Carson'.
Movie Released: Sun, Feb 03 1924
Poster of The Extra Girl
The Extra Girl
William Desmond was 45 in The Extra Girl as 'Himself, Himself - Actor'.
Movie Released: Sun, Oct 28 1923
Poster of Shadows of the North
Shadows of the North
William Desmond was 45 in Shadows of the North as 'Ben 'Wolf' Darby'.
Movie Released: Mon, Aug 27 1923
Poster of McGuire of the Mounted
McGuire of the Mounted
William Desmond was 45 in McGuire of the Mounted as 'Bob McGuire'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jul 08 1923
Poster of Night Life in Hollywood
Night Life in Hollywood
William Desmond was 44 in Night Life in Hollywood as 'Self'.
Movie Released: Wed, Nov 15 1922
Poster of Perils of the Yukon
Perils of the Yukon
William Desmond was 44 in Perils of the Yukon as 'Jack Merrill Sr. / Jack Merrill Jr.'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jul 24 1922
Poster of Fightin' Mad
Fightin' Mad
William Desmond was 43 in Fightin' Mad as 'Bud McGraw'.
Movie Released: Sun, Nov 20 1921
Poster of The Policeman and the Baby
The Policeman and the Baby
William Desmond was 43 in The Policeman and the Baby as 'The Policeman'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 04 1921
Poster of The Child Thou Gavest Me
The Child Thou Gavest Me
William Desmond was 43 in The Child Thou Gavest Me as 'Tom Marshall'.
Movie Released: Sat, Aug 20 1921
Poster of Women Men Love
Women Men Love
William Desmond was 42 in Women Men Love as 'David Hunter'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 09 1921
Poster of The Prince and Betty
The Prince and Betty
William Desmond was 41 in The Prince and Betty as 'John Maude'.
Movie Released: Sun, Dec 21 1919
Poster of A Sage Brush Hamlet
A Sage Brush Hamlet
William Desmond was 41 in A Sage Brush Hamlet as 'Larry Lang'.
Movie Released: Sun, Aug 03 1919
Poster of Bare-Fisted Gallagher
Bare-Fisted Gallagher
William Desmond was 41 in Bare-Fisted Gallagher as ''Bare-Fisted' Gallagher'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jun 22 1919
Poster of Her Code of Honor
Her Code of Honor
William Desmond was 41 in Her Code of Honor as 'Eugene La Salle'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 06 1919
Poster of Society for Sale
Society for Sale
William Desmond was 40 in Society for Sale as 'Honorable Billy'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 21 1918
Poster of The Marriage Bubble
The Marriage Bubble
William Desmond was 40 in The Marriage Bubble as 'The Actor'.
Movie Released: Sun, Mar 31 1918
Poster of Captain of His Soul
Captain of His Soul
William Desmond was 40 in Captain of His Soul as 'Horace'.
Movie Released: Sun, Feb 10 1918
Poster of Married in Name Only
Married in Name Only
William Desmond was 39 in Married in Name Only
Movie Released: Mon, Oct 01 1917
Poster of Flying Colors
Flying Colors
William Desmond was 39 in Flying Colors as 'Brent Brewster'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 23 1917
Poster of Master of His Home
Master of His Home
William Desmond was 39 in Master of His Home as 'Carson Stewart'.
Movie Released: Sun, Aug 12 1917
Poster of Paws of the Bear
Paws of the Bear
William Desmond was 39 in Paws of the Bear as 'Ray Bourke'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jun 17 1917
Poster of The Last of the Ingrams
The Last of the Ingrams
William Desmond was 39 in The Last of the Ingrams as 'Jules Ingram'.
Movie Released: Sun, Feb 25 1917
Poster of The Iced Bullet
The Iced Bullet
William Desmond was 38 in The Iced Bullet as 'The Author / Horace Lee'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 21 1917
Poster of A Gamble in Souls
A Gamble in Souls
William Desmond was 38 in A Gamble in Souls
Movie Released: Sat, Dec 09 1916
Poster of The Dawn Maker
The Dawn Maker
William Desmond was 38 in The Dawn Maker as 'Bruce Smithson'.
Movie Released: Sat, Sep 23 1916
Poster of Peggy
Peggy
William Desmond was 37 in Peggy as 'Rev. Donald Bruce'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 02 1916
Poster of Peer Gynt
Peer Gynt
William Desmond was 37 in Peer Gynt as 'The Parson'.
Movie Released: Wed, Sep 15 1915
Poster of The Majesty of the Law
The Majesty of the Law
William Desmond was 37 in The Majesty of the Law as 'Jackson Morgan Kent'.
Movie Released: Thu, Aug 26 1915
Poster of Kilmeny
Kilmeny
William Desmond was 37 in Kilmeny as 'Bob Meredith'.
Movie Released: Thu, Jul 22 1915

TV Shows (Acting Roles)

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Ages in TV shows are based off the first air date and may not be accurate. View individual episode details for accurate ages