Housman was one of two actors of the time who was famous for playing drunks, the other being Jack Norton. In real life Norton didn't drink at all, while Housman unfortunately developed a serious drinking problem.
Slim, aristocratic actor who, after the advent of talking pictures, specialized in playing a comical drunk.
Started in vaudeville and on stage in New York and worked in silent comedies at Edison, Selig and Fox. Starred in his own series of 'Housman Comedies' in the 1920s, of which one, 'Male Wanted' (1926), is apparently the only survivor.