Gilbert M. Anderson - Actor Profile

Gilbert M. Anderson

Directing
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 20, 1880
Birth Place: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

About Gilbert M. Anderson

Born in 1880, ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson is considered the first western film star. He played three film roles in “The Great Train Robbery” and then began to write, direct and act in his own films. After co-founding the Essanay Studios in 1907 with George Kirk Spoor, Anderson appeared in some 300 short films. But it was his 148 western shorts playing cowboy Bronco Billy that made him a star. He retired for the first time in 1916 but made a few comebacks, including producing movies into the 1950s for his company, Progressive Pictures. He received an honorary Oscar in 1958 as a “motion picture pioneer.” Anderson came out of retirement one more time for a cameo in 1965’s “The Bounty Hunter.” He died at age of 90 1971.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Gilbert M. Anderson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Western

The majority of Gilbert M. Anderson's filmography leans towards the Western 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 4% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Gilbert M. Anderson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Great Train Robbery, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Gilbert M. Anderson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Gilbert M. Anderson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Gilbert M. Anderson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1965 The Bounty Killer The Man in the Cantina Average Similar →
1941 Life with Henry Business Man (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1939 The Movies March On Self - from 'The Great Train Robbery' (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1919 The Son-of-a-Gun Bill Flop Similar →
1915 His Regeneration The Regenerate Flop Similar →
1915 The Champion Enthusiastic Fan (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1915 Broncho Billy's Sentence Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1915 Broncho Billy and the False Note Broncho Billy Average Similar →
1914 Broncho Billy and the Greaser Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1914 Broncho Billy's Fatal Joke Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1914 The Good-for-Nothing Gilbert Sterling Flop Similar →
1913 Why Broncho Billy Left Bear County Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1913 Broncho Billy and the Western Girls Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1913 Broncho Billy and the Rustler's Child Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1913 The Making of Broncho Billy Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1912 The Tomboy on Bar Z - Flop Similar →
1912 Broncho Billy's Last Hold-Up Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1912 A Wife of the Hills Bart McGrew Flop Similar →
1912 Broncho Billy's Narrow Escape Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1912 Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1912 Broncho Billy and the Schoolmistress Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1911 Broncho Billy's Adventure Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1911 Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1911 The Cowboy Coward Steve Flop Similar →
1910 The Bad Man's Christmas Gift Andy Carson Flop Similar →
1910 Circle C Ranch's Wedding Present - Flop Similar →
1910 The Bearded Bandit Curt, the Sheriff Flop Similar →
1910 Broncho Billy's Redemption Broncho Billy Flop Similar →
1910 The Bad Man's Last Deed The Bad Man Flop Similar →
1910 The Bandit's Wife - Flop Similar →
1910 Away Out West A Dying Miner Flop Similar →
1909 The Heart of a Cowboy Honest Steve Flop Similar →
1909 The Spanish Girl Tom 'Bud' Wilson Flop Similar →
1909 The Ranchman's Rival Jim Watson Flop Similar →
1909 His Reformation Tom Carlton Flop Similar →
1909 Judgment - Flop Similar →
1909 The Best Man Wins - Flop Similar →
1909 The Black Sheep - Flop Similar →
1909 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room - Flop Similar →
1909 The Indian Trailer - Flop Similar →
1909 A Mexican's Gratitude The Sheriff Flop Similar →
1909 A Tale of the West - Flop Similar →
1909 The Road Agents - Flop Similar →
1908 The Bandit Makes Good - Flop Similar →
1906 The Life of an American Cowboy - Flop Similar →
1905 The Train Wreckers Last Train Wrecker Flop Similar →
1905 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes Flop Similar →
1903 The Great Train Robbery Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1903 What Happened in the Tunnel - Flop Similar →
1903 The Messenger Boy's Mistake Messenger Boy Flop Similar →

Gilbert M. Anderson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Gilbert M. Anderson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Gilbert M. Anderson is "The Great Train Robbery" with a rating of 7.0/10.

How many movies has Gilbert M. Anderson acted in?

Gilbert M. Anderson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Gilbert M. Anderson?

Other notable films include "The Champion", "Broncho Billy and the False Note", and "The Bounty Killer".