He was born William Helm in Madison, Wisconsin,[1] (or in Alexandria, Virginia), and died in Hollywood, California.

[2] Calvert was raised in Madison and graduated from Central High School.

[1] After a military career from which he retired as a captain, he acted in stock theater,[3] including working in Arizona, where he acted with Theodore Roberts.

[3] For 18 years, he was a director, beginning with the Essanay Company.

[3] Calvert had a son, also named William Helm.