Edward Peil Sr.


Edward J. Peil Sr. was an American film actor. He appeared in more than 370 films between 1913 and 1951.

Biography

Peil was born in Racine, Wisconsin, one of 10 children of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Pell. He attended Racine High School and the University of Notre Dame, studying dramatics, which led to his acting on stage and later in films. His first film was Charley's Aunt. He had the lead in the first five-reel film, Through Fire to Fortune. He also acted in the first film that used artificial illumination outdoors at night, the first three-reel color film, and the first Technicolor film.
Peil's wife, Henrietta, was an actress. They were married in 1916 in Wabash, Indiana, while both were touring with the Chicago Majestic Theater Stock Company. Peil died in Hollywood, California.
His son, Edward Peil Jr., and his daughter, Virginia, also acted in films.

Selected filmography