I've been meaning to do this one for some time, since long ago I did up a Silent Wiki entry (which Wikipedia stole) on Thomas. Karl and Lottie's memories faded mostly because their careers and lives were so short...yet Thomas definitely did not fit this category. He still died ''young'' but not too young at 57, and he was able to transition talkies just fine. His downfall was when his age and illness hit: 1934. Had he been a younger, healthier man...its possible we wouldn't have to reintroduce him at all. Yet then again any time Mary Pickford is mentioned anywhere a lengthy explanation of who she was is always included...and she lived till 79!
Thomas Meighan was an extremely popular actor in his day. He entered theatre at 18, where he eventually met and married Frances Ring (sister of Blanche Ring). Meighan was a great actor, and eventually made his way to Broadway. In 1914 (aged 35!) Meighan entered the film industry. He became quite the leading man (think like Fairbanks only with a dash of ''white'' Valentino) starring opposite Norma Talmadge, Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Lila Lee, Bebe Daniels, Anna May Wong, and Louise Brooks! *PHEW* that's a long sexy list!
Aged 50 Meighan made his first talkie, which was a success. But take note of the age...I mean jeesh this was my whole point about the talkie transition! He only made a few talkies, then died. Poor Tommy...everyone who knew him said he was the sweetest man! Lets do some quickie facts shall we?
Interesting facts about Thomas Meighan
*Met Frances Ring in 1908...they stayed married until his death
*Despite leaving theatre for film, Meighan stayed devoted to theatre throughout his life
*Meighan's film career started in London with a film titled "Dandy Donovan, the Gentleman Cracksman" in 1914. It took another 2 years before he made a US film
*In 1919 Meighan paired with Lon Chaney and Cecil B DeMille...propelling him into superstardom
*Meighan's final silent films "The Mating Call" and "The Racket" were both produced by Howard Hughes and thought lost until they were rediscovered in a private collection in 2006. One of the films featured Renee Adoree and the other was nominated for an Oscar
*Meighan's first talkie was "The Argyle Case" in 1929. He was 50 years old and aware he was getting old for acting. He then pursued acting.
*Meighan entered film again in 1931...but being ill he only made a handful of films before his death in 1934
*At one point Meighan made $10,000 a week
*According to Gloria Swanson, Meighan almost drowned (he didn't know how to swim) during the making of Male and Female but was rescued by a Hawaiian they had on set
*Meighan was extremely responsible for the growth of New Port Richey, Florida. A theatre named in his honor still stands there under the name 'Richey Suncoast Theatre'
*Meighan was the only witness to Jack and Olive's wedding, and he also bailed Valentino out during his bigamy thing...even though he didn't KNOW Valentino!!!
Poor Tommy! Judging by "Why change your wife?" he was an amazing actor. He had great comedic timing and was overall a very well rounded actor. Considering the string of gorgeous leading ladies he worked with, he surely deserves some sort of 'White Valentino' status! I think its a shame he died so 'young' and became so forgotten. Definitely time to honor the man! If you shall find yourself in or near New Port Richey I suggest checking out Meighan's theatre. For some cool historical photos of the place click here. And for your enjoyment below I present the only picture I've been able to find of Meighan and his wife, Frances. Cute!
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