Fred Ott
ActingAbout Fred Ott
Frederick Paul Ott (1860 – October 24, 1936), a skilled machinist, was a key employee of Thomas Edison's laboratories from the 1870s until Edison's death in 1931. His likeness appears in two of the earliest surviving motion pictures – the well-known Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze (a.k.a. Fred Ott's Sneeze) and the little-seen Fred Ott Holding a Bird – both from 1894. The former became an icon of cinema itself. Shot in medium close-up, the film shows Ott seemingly taking a pinch of snuff causing him to sneeze. Comic in format, The Sneeze, as it also came to be known, was made in early January 1894 at the request of Harper's Weekly magazine, which requested illustrations for an article about the Kinetoscope. Ott began working with Edison in 1874 (at age 14) and became one of the inventor's most valued employees and closest friends. Alongside his brother John F. Ott, he worked with Edison on many inventions, retiring shortly after the nearly-simultaneous deaths of Edison and John Ott in 1931. Ott died at his home in West Orange, New Jersey on October 24, 1936.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Fred Ott reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 3 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Fred Ott's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Fred Ott remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Kiss, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Fred Ott Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Fred Ott's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Fred Ott.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | The Kiss | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1894 | Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze | Sneezing Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1894 | Fred Ott Holding a Bird | Self | Flop | Similar → |
Fred Ott - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Fred Ott?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Fred Ott is "The Kiss" with a rating of 5.4/10.
How many movies has Fred Ott acted in?
Fred Ott has been featured in at least 3 major films throughout their career.