William Haines

Biography

Charles William "Billy" Haines was a star American comedy actor of the late Silent and early "talkie" eras, discovered by a talent scout in 1922 and signed with Goldwyn Pictures. His career gained momentum after favorable reviews for his role in The Midnight Express in 1924, solidifying his screen persona as a wisecracking leading man. Haines' acting career ended due to studios' disapproval of his homosexuality, but he went on to build a successful interior design business with his partner Jimmie Shields.