William J. Butler

William J. Butler (1860 – January 27, 1927) was an Irish-born actor whose career spanned both the Broadway stage and the early silent film industry. Born in Ireland, he immigrated to the United States and eventually settled with his family in Ohio before relocating to Hollywood, California in 1908.

Butler's stage career in the United States ran from 1904 to 1908, during which he appeared in three Broadway productions. His credits included The Serio-Comic Governess in 1904, followed by both The Great Divide and Pippa Passes in 1906.

At the age of 48, Butler transitioned into the emerging motion picture industry, appearing in more than 260 films between 1908 and 1917. Among his most notable professional associations was his frequent work with director and producer D. W. Griffith, who himself directed more than 500 films beginning in 1908. Beyond performing, Butler also contributed to early cinema as a crew member and screenwriter.

Butler was married to actress Emma Lathrop, and together they had a son, Larry, and a daughter, actress Kathleen Butler. Larry Butler was born in Akron, Ohio, shortly before the family's move to Hollywood. He grew up working in the film industry alongside his father, leaving Burbank High School to pursue special effects work. Larry received five Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars, the first in 1940 for his special effects work on The Thief of Baghdad. He is credited with inventing the blue screen and the traveling matte processes. William's grandsons Michael C. Butler, David Butler, and Christopher Butler all became cinematographers.

Butler died on January 27, 1927, at Staten Island Hospital at the age of 67.