He began in vaudeville[1] and entered films in 1909 with a featured role in a Ben Turpin comedy short, Tag Day.

[3] The series lasted for two years, after which Carney developed the character of "Alkali Ike."

The character starred in its own series of shorts, such as 1911's Alkali Ike's Auto (which is still extant), and which co-starred Harry Todd.

[4] He was also in many of the popular episodes of the series of film shorts featuring "Broncho Billy", which were directed by and starred Anderson.

His final film appearance was in a supporting role in 1916's Blue Blood and Red, which was directed by Raoul Walsh.