Louis Bennison

Louis Bennison (October 17, 1884 – June 9, 1929) was an American actor and book writer who worked in both stage and silent film, with particular recognition for his roles in western pictures. He was born in Oakland, California, and later attended the University of California, Berkeley.

Bennison's early professional career included stock company work at the Alcazar Theatre in San Francisco in 1912, as well as stage appearances in productions such as The Unchastened Woman and Johnny Get Your Gun. He made his motion picture debut in the 1914 silent film Damaged Goods, in which he played Dr. Clifford. Subsequent film roles included Ferdinand in Pretty Mrs. Smith (1915), Johnny Burke in Oh, Johnny! (1918), and the title role in Speedy Meade (1919). Additional silent film credits from that period include Sandy Burke of the U-Bar-U, The Road Called Straight, High Pockets, A Misfit Earl, and Lavender and Old Lace (1921), in which he played the dual roles of Captain Charles Winfield and Carl Winfield.

On Broadway, Bennison was active from 1915 to 1927, appearing in a number of plays and contributing as a book writer. His stage credits included The Demi-Virgin, Nobody's Business, All Dressed Up, The Dust Heap, and Badges, among other productions.

On June 9, 1929, Bennison and Broadway actress Margaret Lawrence were found dead in Lawrence's New York apartment. The deaths were the result of a murder–suicide by firearm, and police believed the incident was alcohol-related. Bennison was 44 years old at the time of his death.