Billy Franey

William 'Billy' Franey was a leading comic character actor of dishevelled appearance and fuzzy moustache, usually in a suit a couple of sizes too big. His screen career began around 1913, with leads in the 'Joker' comedy series released by Universal. He was co-starred with 'Louise Fazenda' (qv) (until her departure for Keystone in 1915) and, subsequently, 'Gale Henry' (qv). In 1920, Franey joined an independent company, Reelcraft, where he made a series of one-reel shorts bearing his name. Few of them have survived. Those that have, notably _The Plumber (1921)_ (qv) and _The Bath Dub (1921)_ (qv), are brilliantly inventive examples of knockabout slapstick comedy.Since Reelcraft was a state company, there was only limited regional release and little or no national publicity. As a result Franey's time at the top of his profession lasted merely a year. From 1921, he appeared in support of other comedians, notably in the 'Blue Ribbon' series produced by 'Joe Rock' (qv). He also played straight character roles in motion pictures, including a fair number of westerns. During the last three years of his life, he played 'Pop', father of 'Vivien Oakland' (qv) and father-in-law to 'Edgar Kennedy' (qv), in a series of 18-19 minute comedy featurettes made for RKO. Billy continued acting on screen right up to his death from influenza in 1940.::I.S.Mowis