Harryville Hollywood Plaque Honours Early Film Star Bob McKenzie

A new plaque has been unveiled in Harryville, Ballymena, honouring Hollywood actor Robert “Bob” McKenzie. The local film pioneer appeared in more than 300 movies, while his wife and daughters also built careers in the film industry. Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson sent a message recognising his achievements.

A new Harryville Hollywood plaque has been unveiled in Ballymena to celebrate the remarkable life of Robert Baxter “Bob” McKenzie, who rose from humble beginnings in County Antrim to become a successful Hollywood actor.

The commemorative plaque has been installed on Queen Street, close to where McKenzie grew up before emigrating to the United States with his family.

The unveiling forms part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s America 250 celebrations, recognising the borough’s historic connections with the United States.

Harryville Hollywood Plaque Celebrates Local Film Pioneer

The plaque was unveiled by James Perry DL for County Antrim, who paid tribute to McKenzie and his family’s achievements in the American film industry.

Although Liam Neeson is arguably Ballymena’s most internationally recognised actor today, McKenzie was making his mark in Hollywood decades earlier.

Neeson also sent a message acknowledging the achievements of one of Ballymena’s earliest Hollywood success stories.

From Harryville to Hollywood: The Story of Bob McKenzie

Born in the late 19th century, McKenzie emigrated to the United States as a young boy.

He went on to enjoy a remarkable career spanning both silent and sound films, appearing in more than 300 movies.

McKenzie was also involved in other aspects of filmmaking, working as a writer, director and producer.

His extensive career helped establish him as a familiar figure in Hollywood during cinema’s formative decades.

Readers can explore his film credits on Robert McKenzie’s IMDb profile.

A Remarkable Hollywood Family With Ballymena Roots

McKenzie’s success extended beyond his own acting career.

His wife, Eva Hazelitt, was also an actress, while their three daughters, Fay, Ida and Ella, followed their parents into the entertainment industry.

By 1920, census records showed the entire family working in the motion picture industry in Los Angeles.

The family’s achievements represent a fascinating chapter in the history of Ballymena, showing how one local family’s journey helped connect County Antrim with the early American film industry.

Hollywood Family Returned to Harryville During Second World War

Despite their success in America, the McKenzie family maintained strong connections with Harryville.

During the Second World War, McKenzie’s daughter Ella returned to the area with her husband, Hollywood comedy actor Billy Gilbert.

The couple were visiting Northern Ireland to entertain American troops stationed in the country.

Their brief visit to Ballymena attracted considerable local attention, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to the town during wartime.

Ballymena’s Cinema Heritage Remembered

Following the plaque unveiling, guests attended a special screening featuring Bob and Eva McKenzie.

Presentations also explored Ballymena’s cinema heritage and the family’s place in Hollywood history.

The event formed part of the council’s wider America 250 programme, commemorating historical connections between Mid and East Antrim and the United States.

The plaque will serve as a lasting reminder that, long before modern Hollywood stars became household names, a young man from Harryville was building a remarkable career in the American film industry.

Discover More Ballymena News and Local History

From forgotten historical figures to modern community achievements, Ballymena has a rich heritage worth celebrating.

For more local news, events and community stories, visit Northern Ireland Online’s Ballymena page.

You can also explore the latest updates on Northern Ireland Online.