American silent film actor Wallace Reid was referred to as “the screen’s most perfect lover.” Reid born in St. Louis, Missouri, had theatrical roots stemming from both sides of his parentage. Reid’s mother, Bertha Westbrook, was a stage actress, and his father, James Halleck Reid, was a playwright and actor. Reid’s noted good looks and physique allowed his career in front of the cameras to flourish. Though happy to be an on-screen presence, Reid was just as comfortable behind the scenes as writer, cameraman and director. A man of many vocations, Reid also had a brief career as a racing driver. Reid was known for his action hero roles and auto thrillers, some of his most noted films were "The Roaring Road" in 1919, "Double Speed" in 1920 and "Too Much Speed" in 1921. This portrait captures Reid in a frontal pose, peering upward. Reid appears very casual, yet thoughtful in his surroundings. The original work is attributed to famed photographer Orval Hixon.