William Haines
Biography
Charles William Haines, also known as Billy Hain, was an American actor and interior designer born on January 2, 1900, in Staunton, Virginia. He was a popular star of the late silent and early talkie eras, as well as a movie actor known for his work in comedy. During his youth, he ran off to live life on his own terms and moved to New York City, where he befriended future Hollywood luminaries such as Cary Grant and designer Orry-Kelly. Haines was discovered by a talent scout and signed with Goldwyn Pictures in 1922. His career gained momentum after receiving favorable reviews for his role in the silent film The Midnight Express. He died on December 26, 1973.
Career overview
Charles William Haines, also known as Billy Hain, was born on January 2, 1900, in Staunton, Virginia. During his youth in his teens, he left to live life on his own terms, moving to New York City. There, he formed friendships with future Hollywood luminaries such as designer Orry-Kelly and Cary Grant. He later worked as an American actor and interior designer, establishing himself as a star of the silent movie era and the early talkie eras.
Haines was discovered by a talent scout and subsequently signed with Goldwyn Pictures in 1922. His film career started slowly, but his professional momentum increased when he earned favorable reviews for his role in the silent film The Midnight Express in 19, and he became known for his work in acting with fifty-four known credits. Throughout his career, he appeared in films such as Tell It to the Marines.
After a life spanning several decades in the entertainment industry, Haines passed away on December 26, 1973, at the age of seventy-three.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
54 titles- Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: The Life of William Haines (2001) as Self (Archival footage)
- The Big Parade of Comedy (1964) as Actor in Theater Lobby (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Craig's Wife (1936) Production Design
- The Marines Are Coming (1934) as Lt. William 'Wild Bill' Traylor
- Young and Beautiful (1934) as Robert Preston
- Are You Listening? (1932) as Bill Grimes
- Fast Life (1932) as Sandy
- The Stolen Jools (1931) as Bill Haines
- A Tailor-Made Man (1931) as John Paul Bart
- New Adventures of Get Rich Quick Wallingford (1931) as Wallingford
- Just a Gigolo (1931) as Robert Brummel
- Free and Easy (1930) as A Guest
- The Girl Said No (1930) as Tom Ward
- Way Out West (1930) as Windy
- Remote Control (1930) as William J. Brennan
- Estrellados (1930) as Self (Guest Appearance)
- The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929) as Self
- A Man's Man (1929) as Mel
- Speedway (1929) as Bill Whipple
- The Duke Steps Out (1929) as Duke
- Navy Blues (1929) as Jack Kelly
- Show People (1928) as Billy Boone
- Excess Baggage (1928) as Eddie Kane
- Telling the World (1928) as Don Davis
- Alias Jimmy Valentine (1928) as Jimmy Valentine
- The Smart Set (1928) as Tommy Van Buren
- West Point (1928) as Brice Wayne
- Spring Fever (1927) as Jack Kelly
- Slide, Kelly, Slide (1927) as Jim Kelly
- A Little Journey (1927) as George Manning
- Memory Lane (1926) as Joe Field
- Tell It to the Marines (1926) as Private Skeet Burns
- Brown of Harvard (1926) as Tom Brown
- The Thrill Hunter (1926) as Peter J. Smith
- Lovey Mary (1926) as Billy Wiggs
- Mike (1926) as Harlan
- Sally, Irene and Mary (1925) as Jimmy Dungan
- A Slave of Fashion (1925) as Dick Wayne
- The Denial (1925) as Lyman - Lover in Flashback
- The Tower of Lies (1925) as August
- 1925 Studio Tour (1925) as Self (uncredited)
- Fighting the Flames (1925) as Horatio Manly Jr
- Little Annie Rooney (1925) as Joe Kelly
- Who Cares (1925) as Martin
- So This Is Marriage? (1924)
- Circe the Enchantress (1924) as William Craig
- The Wife of the Centaur (1924) as Edward Converse
- The Midnight Express (1924) as Jack Oakes
- True As Steel (1924) as Gilbert Morse
- Wine of Youth (1924) as Hal Martin
- The Gaiety Girl (1924) as Owen Tudor St. John
- Three Weeks (1924) as Curate
- Souls for Sale (1923) as Pinkey - Assistant Director
- Three Wise Fools (1923) as Gordon Schuyler
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William Haines best known for?
William Haines is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Big Parade of Comedy (1964), Kekkaishi (2006), Show People (1928), My Royal Nemesis (2026).
When and where was William Haines born?
William Haines was born on January 2, 1900 in Staunton, Virginia, USA. They passed away on December 26, 1973.
How many credits does William Haines have?
William Haines has accumulated over 54 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1923 to 2001.
What is William Haines's background in cinema and television?
Charles William Haines, also known as Billy Hain, was an American actor and interior designer born on January 2, 1900, in Staunton, Virginia. He was a popular star of the late silent and early talkie eras, as well as a movie actor known for his work in comedy. During his youth, he ran off to live life on his own terms ...
William Haines by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Big Parade of Comedy (1964) as Actor in Theater Lobby (archive footage) (uncredited) — aged about 64
- Show People (1928) as Billy Boone — aged about 28
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