Actor. Born Frank Spottiswoode Aitken in Edinburgh, Scotland, he made his theater stage debut at age 13 and spent nearly 20 years touring the United States in stock companies. During a 1907 road production of "Pocahontas" he met actor and future director D.W. Griffith, who later invited him to join the Biograph studio. Onscreen Aitken most often played strong patriarchs, memorably as 'Dr. Cameron' in "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and several other Griffith films. His 96 other motion picture role credits include "The Battle" (1911), "Home Sweet Home" (1914), "Intolerance" (1916), "Nomads of the North" (1920), "Monte Cristo" (1922), "Merry-Go-Round" (1923), and "The Eagle" (1925). He retired in 1927 due to poor health.
Actor. Born Frank Spottiswoode Aitken in Edinburgh, Scotland, he made his theater stage debut at age 13 and spent nearly 20 years touring the United States in stock companies. During a 1907 road production of "Pocahontas" he met actor and future director D.W. Griffith, who later invited him to join the Biograph studio. Onscreen Aitken most often played strong patriarchs, memorably as 'Dr. Cameron' in "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and several other Griffith films. His 96 other motion picture role credits include "The Battle" (1911), "Home Sweet Home" (1914), "Intolerance" (1916), "Nomads of the North" (1920), "Monte Cristo" (1922), "Merry-Go-Round" (1923), and "The Eagle" (1925). He retired in 1927 due to poor health.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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