Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton Profile Photo

Characters played by Buster Keaton

Johnnie Gray — The General (1926)

Confederate train engineer whose life revolves around his locomotive The General and Annabelle Lee. After Annabelle is kidnapped, he pursues the hijackers alone, uncovers a Union ambush, burns a critical bridge to cut off enemy supply lines, and is commissioned as a lieutenant.

Projectionist / Sherlock, Jr. — Sherlock Jr. (1924)

He is a cinema projectionist who studies amateur detection and loves the Girl. After being framed for the stolen pocket watch, he follows the Sheik and later dreams of becoming Sherlock Jr., saving the Girl from the Villain and his gang with help from Gillette.

Chief Rotten Eagle — Pajama Party (1964)

Associate of J. Sinister Hulk.

William 'Willie' Canfield Jr. — Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)

William 'Willie' Canfield Jr. is William 'Steamboat Bill' Canfield Sr.'s long-absent son, returning from studies in Boston as an awkward young man with a beret, pencil moustache, and ukulele. He loves Kitty King, defies his father's plans, and ultimately rescues Kitty King, William 'Steamboat Bill' Canfield Sr., and John James 'J.J.' King during the cyclone.

Hickey — In the Good Old Summertime (1949)

Hickey is Otto Oberkugen's nephew and is present at the engagement party. When Otto asks for his prized violin for the next musical number, Hickey handles it clumsily and breaks it, causing Otto great distress until Andrew explains that the genuine violin is safely with Louise.

Erronius — A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

A neighbor returning after over twenty years to find his children kidnapped by pirates as infants. Recognizing identical rings on Hero and Philia, he claims them as his long-lost son and daughter, a twist that ultimately saves Marcus Lycus from execution and resolves the legal conflicts.

William McKay — Our Hospitality (1923)

The central protagonist, who returns to claim his inherited estate despite learning about the family feud. He becomes a guest in the rival family's home, escapes repeated attempts on his life, rescues Virginia, and ultimately helps end the feud.

James 'Jimmie' Shannon — Seven Chances (1925)

A junior partner in a failing brokerage firm who must marry by 7:00 p.m. on his 27th birthday to inherit seven million dollars. After his proposal is rejected, he desperately seeks another bride, is pursued by a mob of prospective brides, and ultimately marries his sweetheart just in time.

Ronald, The Boy — College (1927)

Ronald is the brilliant but socially awkward graduate whose belief that books matter more than athletics alienates Mary and Jeff. He follows Mary to Clayton, unsuccessfully tries sports and service jobs, then becomes the coxswain in a race. After rescuing Mary from Jeff, he finally wins her love.

The Husband — My Wife's Relations (1922)

A young artist who marries The Wife after misunderstanding the officiant’s question. He returns to her family’s home and struggles to fit in with her relatives. When a letter leads them to believe he will receive $100,000, they become welcoming, but a later letter exposes their mistaken assumptions and brings trouble.

Alfred Butler — Battling Butler (1926)

Alfred Butler is a wealthy family's slight, gentle heir, accustomed to ease and luxury rather than physical hardship. During a hunting trip, he falls in love with a mountain girl and allows his valet to present him as the famous boxer Battling Butler. When the real fighter attacks him, Alfred unexpectedly fights back and wins.

Wally — The Gold Ghost (1934)

Wally is the central character, the son of George and the intended husband of Gloria. After overhearing her insult him, he leaves town and settles in a Nevada ghost town, where he claims the sheriff's badge. He defends the ghost girl from rowdy spirits and later joins forces with Bugs Kelly to drive out gangsters who threaten the town.

Career Overview

Buster Keaton has 305 screen credits in a career dating back to 1917. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently That's Entertainment Collection with 3 titles. Signature works include The General, Sherlock Jr., One Week. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Directing
Gender
male
Known Credits
305
Birth Date
1895-10-03
Birth Place
Piqua, Kansas, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 3 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q103949), public domain (CC0).