[1] He started as a messenger boy with the Dominion Steel Company in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

[2] MacDonald started as an actor in films in 1914 and starred in almost 120 motion pictures between then and 1932.

He had notable roles in such films as Youth's Endearing Charm in 1916 working with Mary Miles Minter and Harry von Meter.

[2][3] With the advent of sound, MacDonald's acting career diminished, and most of his roles between 1927 and 1932 went uncredited.

MacDonald married actress Doris May in 1921, and they remained wed until his death.