Wilton Lackaye


Wilton Lackaye was an American stage and film actor, who originated the role of Svengali in both stage and film.

Early life and family

William Andrew Lackey was born in Loudoun County, Virginia the son of James Lackey and his wife Margaret Bagnam. He married three times: first to actress Annie Lewis, second to Alice Evans and lastly to Katherine Alberta Riley. He had a son Wilton Lackaye Jr. with Alice Evans. He had two siblings in show business: James Lackaye Jr. and Helen Lackaye.

Career

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 distinctive-looking actor with large round eyes particularly effective when playing the scheming Svengali.

Death

Lackaye died at age 69 in New York City.

Filmography