Buster Keaton

“A comedian does funny things. A good comedian does things funny.” Buster Keaton gained the nickname "The Great Stone Face" for his unique combination of physical comedy and deadpan expression during the silent era of film. An iconic figure in American cinema, Keaton was a multi-talented comic actor, filmmaker, producer, and writer. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he crafted his best gags himself, often performing daring stunts at a great personal risk. Signing with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer led to a loss of artistic freedom and the downfall of his career, but he made a remarkable comeback in the 1940s, making cameo appearances in notable works like Wilder's "Sunset Boulevard," and the "Twilight Zone" series. His resilience and talent were recognized with an Academy Honorary Award in 1959, marking his enduring impact on the entertainment industry. Often described as having been ahead of his time, his legacy includes works such as “Sherlock Jr.” (1924) and "Steamboat Bill, Jr.” (1928), and he is acknowledged to be one of the greatest stars of classic Hollywood cinema.