Silent screen legend Buster Keaton (1895–1966) was born Joseph Frank Keaton in Piqua, Kansas. Known as the Great Stone Face of comedy, he stepped onstage as a toddler in his parents’ vaudeville act—touring with Harry Houdini, learning timing, pratfalls, and the sturdy grace that would define his art.

“No man can be a genius in slapshoes and a flat hat,” he joked—then made genius look effortless. He chose film over Broadway, appeared in shorts with Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, and served a year in World War I. Back in films, he broke through with The Saphead (1920), soon running his own studio so he could write, direct, and star with total creative control.

Fearless and meticulous, Keaton crafted silent masterpieces like The Navigator (1924) and The General (1927). He did his own stunts, kept tight rein on his emotions, and let a deadpan stare trigger waves of laughter. “Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot,” he said—and framed the world accordingly.

Generations of performers have honored his legacy. Jackie Chan once said, “I just want that one day, when I retire, that people will still remember me like they remember Buster.”

Keaton reflected on his life: “Because of the way I looked on the stage and screen, the public naturally assumed I felt hopeless and unloved in my personal life. Nothing could be farther from the fact. As long back as I can remember, I have considered myself a fabulously lucky man.”