Ben Turpin

Ben Turpin
Ben Turpin
	Ben Turpin, 1935
Born	Bernard Turpin; September 19, 1869; New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	July 1, 1940 (aged 70); Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Resting place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California
Spouse(s)	Norma Koch (m. 1898; died 1904) Carrie Lemieux (m. 1907; died 1925); Babette Dietz (m. 1926)
Comedy career
Years active	1907–1940
Medium	Comedian; actor;
Genre	Silent films

Bernard "Ben" Turpin (September 19, 1869 – July 1, 1940) was an American comedian and actor, best remembered for his work in silent films. His trademarks were his cross-eyed appearance and adeptness at vigorous physical comedy. A sometime vaudeville performer, he was "discovered" for film while working as the janitor for Essanay Studios in Chicago. Turpin went on to work with notable performers such as Charlie Chaplin, W.C Fields, Wheeler and Woolsey and Laurel and Hardy. Also, was a part of the Mack Sennett studio team. He is believed to have been the first filmed "victim" of the pie in the face gag, in "Mr Flip"(1909). In 1929, When sound came to films, Turpin chose to retire, having invested profitably in real estate, although he did do occasional cameos.