An Original Handwritten and Signed Paper by the Famous Sherlock Holmes Actor William Hooker Gillette. Dated 1901. William Hooker Gillette 1853 – 1937 was an American actor-manager, playwright, and stage-manager. He is best remembered for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage in 1899 and in a 1916 silent film. Gillette’s portrayal of Holmes significantly influenced the modern image of the detective. His use of the deerstalker cap (which first appeared in some Strand illustrations by Sidney Paget) and the curved pipe became enduring symbols of the character. He assumed the role of Sherlock Holmes on stage more than 1,300 times over thirty years, starred in the silent motion picture based on his Holmes play, and even voiced the character twice on radio. Size is 93mm x 60mm. Condition is good. Light folding crease.