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Roscoe Samuel "Tiny" Ward (January 2, 1893 – September 12, 1956) was an American actor. He occasionally was billed as Jack "Tiny" Ward. Due to his appearance in several "classics" he is a fairly well-known face in film history.

In the 1920s he worked primarily in Mack Sennett comedies, frequently under the direction of Harry Edwards and often supporting Harry Langdon. He also worked with Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Lon Chaney.

Life

He was born on January 2, 1893, in Indian Point near Abingdon, Illinois the son of Roscoe E. Ward (1855-1925). He was exceptionally tall (6'7") earning him the sarcastic nickname "Tiny".

He was popular and although never achieving a lead role, he was a frequent choice as either a burly policeman or tough guy. Unlike many fellow actors he survive the transition from silent to sound in 1930. Sadly after leaving Mack Sennett as a regular he had few notable roles other than a brief spate of work with The Three Stooges. He also appeared in the "Smith" series of films with Raymond McKee but these now fail to receive much recognition despite contemporary success. He served two enlistment periods during World War 1. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, Co. B, 164th Infantry at Fargo, Cass, ND and was discharged 25 Nov 1917 at Camp Green, South Carolina, it appears from health issues. The second enlistment was in the Navy on 16 Sep 1918 at San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA and discharged from the same place on 21 Jan 1919.

He appears to have got in "The Old Man's Draft" of April 1942 in the Second World War which did not so much draft men from 45 to 64 as assess the potential of unemployed men to serve the war effort. He was at that time 49. His appearance in the draft suggests unemployment (typical for all actors). He does not appear to have had any active service (or reallocation) and reappears in at least two films prior to the end of the war.

He died in Los Angeles on September 12, 1956. He is buried with his family in Abingdon Cemetery in Abingdon, Illinois.

Known works

References

1. "Tiny Ward".
2. "Cast Member : Tiny Ward".
3. Mack Sennett's Fun Factory by Brent E. Walker
4. ""The Old Man's Draft" | Newberry".
5. "All U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 results for Roscoe Ward". Retrieved November 13, 2023.
6. "Tiny Ward". Retrieved November 13, 2023.

• 1893 births
• 1956 deaths
• American male film actors
• American male silent film actors
• 20th-century American male actors
• Actors from Illinois