Biography
Bernard "Ben" Turpin (19 September 1869 – 1 July 1940) was an American comedian and actor. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and began appearing in films in 1907 for Essanay Studios in Chicago, where he also worked as a janitor and carpenter.
Turpin became known for his cross-eyed appearance and physical comedy in numerous silent shorts and features. He worked with Charlie Chaplin at Essanay and later joined Mack Sennett's studio, appearing in films such as The Champion (1915), A Burlesque on Carmen (1915) and A Small Town Idol (1921). He continued in occasional roles after the advent of sound, including The Love Parade (1929), Our Wife (1931) and Saps at Sea (1940).
