Archie Mayo

Archie Mayo

Born
29 January 1891
Died
4 December 1968 (aged 77)
Place of birth
New York City, New York, USA
Birth name
Archibald L. Mayo
Height
173 cm
Known for
Director

A stage actor, Archie Mayo went to Hollywood in 1915 and worked until his retirement in 1946. He began directing slapstick two-reelers, later making features at Warner Bros. just about the time sound was being introduced into films. He did much work for Warners, but he also made films at Goldwyn and 20th Century-Fox. During the 1940s he became somewhat of a tyrant on the set and fought constantly with stars; the heavyset Mayo was referred to by one particular star as a "fat slob". He left the business for 12 years and returned as a producer in 1958.