Buster Keaton

Born Joseph Frank Keaton, the man who would become known as "Buster" was a descendant of English and Irish immigrants. His family background was solidly Protestant, with no known Jewish lineage to speak of, which, let's be honest, makes the "Jew or Not Jew" question fairly straightforward right from the start.

While Keaton certainly worked alongside many Jewish figures in early Hollywood – it was, after all, a town built by immigrants of various stripes – his personal life and cultural identity remained firmly outside the orbit of the synagogue or the deli. He was too busy falling off trains and surviving hurricanes on screen to contemplate a bar mitzvah.

However, in terms of sheer comedic brilliance and groundbreaking cinematic achievement, Keaton's contributions are undeniably kvell-worthy. His physical comedy, innovative stunts, and mastery of visual storytelling continue to inspire filmmakers and entertain audiences generations later. A true titan of the silver screen, even if his matzo ball soup consumption was likely nil.