Introduction
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.
Early life and family
William Andrew Lackey was born in Loudoun County, Virginia the son of James Lackey and his wife Margaret Bagnam. He was married thrice: first to actress Annie Lewis,
second to Alice Evans and lastly to Katherine Alberta Riley. He had a son Wilton Lackaye Jr. (1902–1977) with Alice Evans. He had two siblings in show business: James Lackaye Jr.(1867–1919) and Helen Lackaye (1883–1940).
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 unique and distinctive looking actor with large round eyes particularly effective when playing the control-freak Svengali.
Death
Lackaye died at age 69 in New York City.
Filmography
- The Pit (1914)
- Children of the Ghetto (1915)
- Trilby (1915)
- The Man of Shame (1915)
- God's Crucible (1921)
- What's Wrong with the Women? (1922)
- The Lone Wolf (1924)
- For Woman's Favor (1924)
- The Sky Raider (1925)