Wilton Lackaye

Known for

Acting

Born

September 30, 1862

Birthplace

Loudon County, Virginia, USA

Died

August 22, 1932 (aged 69)

Biography

From Wikipedia

Wilton Lackaye (September 30, 1862 – August 22, 1932) was an American stage and film actor, who originated the role of Svengali (from the 1895 novel Trilby) in both stage and film.

He created the role of Svengali in the play Trilby in 1895 which he played on screen in 1915 opposite Clara Kimball Young. He enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished stage career before entering silent films in middle age. He was a unique and distinctive looking actor with large round eyes particularly effective when playing the control-freak Svengali.