Pell Trenton

Pell Trenton, born William T. Baker on August 29, 1883, in New York City, was an actor who worked in both theater and silent-era Hollywood films. He began his theatrical career in 1910 and went on to appear on Broadway, with his 1917 credit in Hamilton among his verified stage appearances. A signed headshot of Trenton, bearing the signatures of both the actor and manager Chamberlain Brown, attests to his professional standing during this period.

Trenton transitioned into film, taking on juvenile roles early in his screen career before progressing to leading parts. His film work began in 1917, the same year he appeared in Hamilton on Broadway, with credits that year including The Adventurer, directed by Alice Guy. Over the following years he accumulated a substantial filmography, appearing in such pictures as Stranded in Arcady (1917), House of Glass (1918), and a series of 1919 releases including The Rebellious Bride, The False Code, The Joyous Liar, and Fair and Warmer. His screen work continued into 1920 with The Willow Tree, Beautifully Trimmed, The House of Toys, and The Blue Moon, and extended to The Greater Profit in 1921 and The New Disciple in 1922.

Trenton's career was interrupted when he fell ill in 1921. He died on March 3, 1924, in Los Angeles from pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 40.