Incredible but true:
1912: Mack Sennett (born January 17, 1880 in Richmond, Eastern Townships) launched the careers of several stars including Charlie Chaplin
The 1880 S. Bibiana parish register in Richmond confirms that Mack Sennett was born in Richmond where his father John Francis Sinnott worked as a day laborer (carpenter). Then in the 1881 Census of Canada, John Francis Sinnott’s family resided in Melbourne. Included are 29-year-old farmer John Francis Sinnott, his wife Catherine Foy, 31, and their one-year-old son Michael Sinnott (Mack Sennett).
Sennett became a singer, dancer, clown, actor, set designer and director for Biograph, and founded Keystone Studios in 1912 together with Adam Kessel. Many important actors were discovered by him and started their career at Keystone. Those include Charlie Chaplin, Raymond Griffith, Gloria Swanson, Ford Sterling, the Keystone Kops and many more.
Sennett first acted in films at Biograph Studios, playing low comedy parts, usually oafish rural types. His chance at directing came in 1912 at the new Keystone brand. His fast-paced knockabout style and good distribution as part of the Mutual program, insured recognition of the Keystone trade mark as well as his stars and his own name. In a very short space of time, that name became synonymous with screen comedy. In fact, when he left to produce independently, to be released by Paramount in 1917, he didn’t fight to take the Keystone Brand with him, his own name proved more valuable.>>>
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