Background
William James Ahern was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on October 9, 1896.
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Will Ahern
Edit ProfileCareer
Ahern reportedly ran off with Buffalo Bill"s Wild West troupe in 1909 after a local appearance, and learned rope spinning while working with the show. Ahern"s first performance was in 1913 at the Lyric Theater in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He did a comedic act featuring rope spinning.
He subsequently worked in circuses and the Oklahoma Ranch and 101 Ranch ranch shows doing trick riding and roping.
He joined the Navy in World War I and performed in shows for Liberty Loan drives. After splitting up, Ahern performed solo until he met Gladys Reese in Chicago in 1919 and they formed an acting
The Aherns" act consisted of Gladys dancing inside the open lasso Will twirled, as well as comedic song and dance numbers they performed together, in and out of the rope. The Aherns spoke German, French, Italian, and Spanish, and performed for many years in Europe after American vaudeville became less popular, including appearances for soldiers during World World War World War II They also appeared in Radio-Keith-Orpheum studio shorts in the 1930s.
Will had an uncredited bit part in Hello Dolly dancing with Barbra Streisand.
Foreign many years the Aherns operated Rainbow Studios, a rehearsal space one block North of Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood, California. Will was also active as a member and an officer in the Hollywood Comedy Club. Notable stage appearances
Broadway appearances
October 3, 1927 - January 7, 1928 - Sidewalks of New York, roles: Goofy, Willie
February 18, 1930 - June 14, 1930 - Simple Simon, role: Jack Horner
Ahern died May 16, 1983 at the age of 86.
