First of all, the cross-eyed comedian of silent days was not born that way. Supposedly his right eye slipped out of alignment while playing the role of the similarly afflicted Happy Hooligan in vaudeville and it never adjusted. Ironically, it was this disability that would enhance his comic value and make him a top name. Ben Turpin was born in New Orleans in 1869, the son of a French-born confectionery store owner. When 7 years old, his father moved to New York's lower East Side. A wanderlust fellow by nature, Turpin lived the life of a hobo in his early adult years. He started up his career by chance while bumming in Chicago where he drew laughs at parties. An ad in a newspaper looking for comedy acts caught his eye and he successfully booked shows along with a partner. Going solo, he performed on the burlesque circuit as well as under circus tents and invariably entertained his audiences by doing tricks, vigorous pratfalls and, of course, crossing his eyes. One of his more familiar sight gags was a backwards tumble he called the "108." He happened upon the Happy Hooligan persona while playing on the road and kept the hapless character as part of routine for 17 years. He started in films at age 38 in 1907, joining Essanay Studios shortly after the company began operating in Chicago. He also became their resident janitor for a spell. He stayed with the company for two years but remained on the edges of obscurity. Appearing sporadically in silent comedy shorts, he typically played dorky characters who always did something wrong. His big break came when he returned to Essanay and was introduced to 'Charles Chaplin' , his last. He died of heart disease that same year.
As a gag, Ben Turpin had his eyes insured by "Lloyds Of London" for a million dollars in case they might come uncrossed.
Appeared in early Vogue and Keystone comedies, having joined Keystone in 1917, and later in Mack Sennett films and Pathe shorts.
Interred at Forest Lawn, Glendale, California, USA, in the Great Mausoleum, Begonia Corridor, right side, at the very end.
Turpin had a reputation as being somewhat argumentative with directors. One day while he was making a film at Sennett Studios, he was giving one director quite a bit of trouble. Exasperated, the director said, "One more word from you, Ben, and Ill uncross your eyes!" (it was commonly believed at the time that a sharp blow to the head could cause crossed eyes to uncross). Terrified of losing his claim to fame, Turpin was compliant for the rest of the day. Mack Sennett himself heard the exchange, and from then on whenever Turpin started acting up on the set, Sennett would make the same "threat", and Turpin would immediately behave himself.
He was not only a popular comedian, but his shrewd major investments in real estate made him one of the richest men in Hollywood.
He invented a Hollywood tradition by being the first actor to receive a pie in his face.
Born in New Orleans, Turpin had a slight French accent his whole life.
Turpin was very guarded and insecure, and he had few friends. He kept his furniture covered with white sheets which were taken off on those rare occasions when he had guests.
The 300 mourners at Turpins 1940 funeral read like a "Whos Who" of silent comedy. Included were Buster Keaton , Hank Mann , Billy Bevan , Del Lord , Andy Clyde , James Finlayson , Al St. John , Charles Murray , Dot Farley , etc. Former mentor Charles Chaplin sent a seven foot spray of red roses.
