William Burr McIntosh (August 21, 1862 – April 28, 1942) was a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of professions throughout his lifetime. He gained recognition as a lecturer, photographer, film studio owner, silent film actor, author, and the publisher of Burr McIntosh Monthly. Additionally, he contributed to journalism and was a trailblazer in the nascent film and radio industries.
McIntosh was born in Wellsville, Ohio, to William Ambrose McIntosh and Minerva McIntosh. His father held the position of president at the New York and Cleveland Gas Coal Company and was part of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, which was associated with the tragic South Fork Dam failure that led to the Johnstown Flood in 1889, claiming over 2,200 lives. His sister, Nancy McIntosh, was an operatic soprano and served as the protegee and adopted daughter of W. S. Gilbert of the famed Gilbert and Sullivan duo.
He completed his education at Lafayette College in 1884, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Initially starting his career on stage, McIntosh transitioned to silent films, with his most notable performance being that of Squire Bartlett in D.W. Griffith's acclaimed film, Way Down East (1920). Lillian Gish, who starred alongside him, portrayed him as a "gentle giant" who regretted the harshness of his character. Over his career, he appeared in 53 films from 1914 to 1934. McIntosh passed away from a heart attack in Hollywood, California.
