EDESON, ROBERT

(1868-1931)

   Born in New Orleans, he was the son of George R. Edeson, a notable stage director and actor. At 19, Robert Edeson made his debut in Fascination (1887) at Brooklyn's Park Theatre. He soon joined Augustin Daly's stock company, where his performances earned him a London engagement. On returning to New York in 1900, he joined Lester Wallack's stock company. One of his popular successes was the title role in Strong-heart (1905), a Native American role that allowed him to show off his athletic build. Charles Frohman presented it in London in 1907. In 1914, Edeson joined the Famous Players and thereafter devoted himself more to motion pictures than to the stage. With newspaperwoman Ada Patterson, he wrote Love's Lightning, produced at New York's Lexington Theatre in 1918. As a screen actor, he appeared in every one of William and Cecil B. DeMille's films.