Wilton Lackaye

Wilton Lackaye was born in Loudon County, Virginia, and educated at Georgetown University. He was barely out of college when he made his debut as Lucentio opposite Lawrence Barrett in an 1883 revival of "Francesca da Rimini". A powerfully built, mustachioed stage star of the old school, Lackaye played the title role in "Nero" (1890), Svengali in "Trilby" (1895) and Simon Legree in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1901). He entered the motion-picture business (shot in New York City) with World Films in 1914 and re-created his Svengali for director Maurice Tourneur in the still extant Trilby (1915). Well received at the time, it was the highlight of a screen career spent mainly in supporting roles. From a theatrical family, Lackaye was the husband of actress Ruth Lackaye, brother of actors James Lackaye and Helen Lackaye and the father of actor-playwright Wilton Lackaye Jr. His final Broadway appearance seems to have been opposite old pal Alice Brady in an unsuccessful production of "Love, Honor and Betray" (1930), which closed after 45 performances. Lackaye continued to appear both in new plays and revivals, especially of "Trilby", until shortly before his death at age 69. Lackaye had a pleasant, round face, with large eyes, and for many years sported a prominent handlebar mustache.