History of Carl Stockdale in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 24, 2026

William Carlton Stockdale, known professionally as Carl Stockdale, was a prolific Hollywood actor whose career spanned from the early 1910s. Notably, he successfully transitioned from silent films to sound films, indicating a long and adaptable career within the evolving film industry.

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Full Timeline

January 11, 1908: Marriage to Clara Byers

On January 11, 1908, Carl Stockdale married actress Clara Byers. The couple then acted together for two seasons at the Alisky and Grand theaters in Sacramento.

1913: Early Hollywood Role

In 1913, Carl Stockdale began working in Hollywood with a small role in Gilbert M. Anderson's Broncho Billy's Last Deed.

March 26, 1915: Divorce from Clara Byers

On March 26, 1915, Carl Stockdale's wife, Clara Byers, sued him for divorce after they acted together at the Alisky and Grand theaters in Sacramento.

February 1, 1922: William Desmond Taylor Murder

On February 1, 1922, William Desmond Taylor was killed. In a 1937 interview, Carl Stockdale told reporters that he was with Charlotte Shelby at her home from 7 to 9 p.m. on the night of the murder.

1937: Stockdale Interview

In 1937, Carl Stockdale was interviewed at his home, where he recounted being with Charlotte Shelby on February 1, 1922, the night William Desmond Taylor was killed.

1943: Last Film Release

Carl Stockdale's last film was released in 1943, marking the end of a busy career that extended into the 1940s.

March 15, 1953: Carl Stockdale Death

On March 15, 1953, Carl Stockdale died. He had one of the longest-working Hollywood careers, dating from the early 1910s. He also made the difficult transition from silent films to talkies.