William Desmond (January 23, 1878 – November 3, 1949) was an American actor. He appeared in 205 films between 1915 and 1948. He was nicknamed "The King of the Silent Serials." Born William Mannion in Horseheads, New York, he was raised in New York City. He later changed his surname to a stage name. He started out in vaudeville and the legitimate stage before making his film debut. In 1919, he married his co-star Mary McIvor, with whom he had two daughters.