Jess Dandy

American actor (1871-1923)

Jess Dandy was an American actor during the silent movie era in Hollywood. His real name was Jesse A. Danzig, and his parents were Abraham Danzig, an immigrant from Germany, and American-born Jennie Stern. His first stage appearance was at age 26 in the Vaudeville venue American Roof Garden. He then moved to a leading role at Keith's Union Square Theatre. In 1903 he opened in the play "The Prince of Pilsen," a role that he played all over the country, emphasizing a German accent. He underwent a number of operations for vocal issues, and then appeared in two plays, "Marcelle" and "Dick Whittington," before moving to Hollywood. While working at Keystone Studios in 1914, Dandy appeared in nine of Charlie Chaplin's comedy shorts. He was known for dialects, and sometimes played Jewish, Dutch, and German characters, emphasizing stereotypes. He died of sepsis following a carbuncle operation, and received a Masonic funeral.

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