Collier, William

(1866-1944)

   Born in New York City, the dapper comedian was known as the "master of repartee" both on the stage and on the page. He was frequently called upon to add gags to average scripts, which allowed him to claim coauthorship credit. From 1900, he performed on Broadway for over two decades, mostly under the management of Charles Frohman, and was considered the quickest wit on the stage. After doing Friars' Club shows with George M. Cohan, the two men teamed up for a time. Collier performed in plays, musicals, revues, and vaudeville, and in 1929 he went into motion pictures.

   See also comedy.