Hale, born Patrick Fitzgerald, is a dashing, elegant lead and supporting actor. The son of an actor, he first appeared onstage as an infant with his father's touring company. In 1913 he came to the U.S. on a tour with an Irish troupe. He began appearing in films in 1914, becoming a silent screen star after his lead role in the serial The New Exploits of Elaine (1915). He became one of silent film's most popular and versatile actors, playing dapper leads and second leads. In the sound era he appeared in a score of films in supporting and character roles, sometimes as a comically meek little man.