A wide-eyed comic lead in many Mack Sennett silent comedies, Bevan was known for his brush mustache. He studied at the University of Sydney and had stage experience with the Pollard Opera Company. Entering films in 1917, Bevan worked as a supporting actor in one- and two-reelers. He appeared with Mack Sennett's company from 1920-29, during which he starred in 70 two-reel slapstick comedies. From 1928-52 (when he retired), Bevan got character roles in many features, often as a Cockney cop (he was born in Australia and retained the accent).