Biography

Wallace Ashley Worsley (8 December 1878 – 26 March 1944) was an American stage actor who became a film director in the silent era. Worsley directed 29 films during the years 1918-1928 and acted in 7 films. He directed several films starring Lon Chaney Sr. and his professional relationship with the actor was the best Chaney had second to his partnership with Tod Browning. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923) is one of his best known works and, along with "The Penalty" (1920), enjoys good exposure on home video and DVD. Worsley's 1922 horror film "A Blind Bargain" with Chaney is one of the most sought-after lost films. Worsley was married to actress Julia Marie Taylor with whom he had two sons, Paul Brackenride Worsley and Wallace Worsley Jr., the latter a production manager and assistant director.