Actor. He was born November 12, 1870 in Coldwater, Michigan. His father Edward C. Ellis, was an actor and playwright. His mother, Ruth McCarthy Ellis, was an actress. He is the brother of actress and author, Edith Ellis and actress Bessie Esmond Ellis. Ellis made his first stage appearance in Chicago in 1877 in the play “Olivia.” He is best remembered for his title role in the 1934 film “The Thin Man” and his leading role in “A Man To Remember” (1938); he appeared in over 38 films in a career that spanned four decades. Ellis was married in 1917 to silent film actress Josephine Stevens. Their brief marriage produced one child, Roberta (Bobbie) Ellis (b. 1918). Edward Ellis died of heart failure as a complication of prostate cancer. He was cremated and his ashes interred at Rosedale Cemetery. (bio by: Trisha W.)