Buster Keaton Family Tree: The Story Behind The Great Stone Face

Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton (1895–1966), born 4 October 1895 in Piqua, Kansas, USA, and died 1 February 1966 in Woodland Hills, California, was silent cinema's greatest deadpan comedian — Sherlock Jr. (1924), The Navigator (1924), The General (1926 — considered his masterpiece), Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928); Honorary Academy Award (1959).

The Family's Roots: A Vaudeville Family

Parents were vaudeville performers who included Buster in their act from age 3.

His Parents

Father: Joseph Hallie "Joe" Keaton (1867–1946) — vaudeville comedian.

Mother: Myra Cutler Keaton (1877–1955) — vaudeville performer.

His Siblings

Harry Stanley "Jingles" Keaton (1904–1983); Louise Keaton (1906–1981).

His Wives

Natalie Talmadge (m. 31 May 1921, div. 25 August 1932) — sister of stars Norma and Constance Talmadge.

Mae Scriven (m. 8 January 1933, div. 4 October 1936) — nurse.

Eleanor Norris (m. 29 May 1940, until his death 1966) — dancer.

His Sons (with Natalie)

James Talmadge (1922–2007); Robert Talmadge (1924–2009) — both took mother's surname after divorce.

The Keaton Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Joe Keaton (1867–1946).

Mother: Myra Cutler Keaton (1877–1955).

Siblings: Harry (1904–1983); Louise (1906–1981).

Wives: Natalie Talmadge (1921-32); Mae Scriven (1933-36); Eleanor Norris (1940-death).

Sons: James Talmadge (1922–2007); Robert Talmadge (1924–2009).

Buster Keaton:

  • Born 4 October 1895, Piqua, Kansas
  • Vaudeville from age 3
  • Enlisted US Army 1918 (WWI, France)
  • Hollywood 1917+ (Fatty Arbuckle then his own studio)
  • The General (1926) — regarded as one of cinema's greatest films
  • Financial ruin 1929-1930s; MGM contract disaster; alcoholism
  • Honorary Academy Award: 1959
  • Died: 1 February 1966, Woodland Hills — lung cancer at 70

What the Keaton Family Story Teaches Us

Vaudeville parents. Two siblings. Three marriages producing 2 sons (took mother's name after divorce). A career that swung from silent film mastery to alcoholism and back to Oscar recognition.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Buster story carries the same lesson. Some careers earned "The Great Stone Face" as a permanent Oscar.

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