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).

[From an 1894 theatrical profile] Mr. Lackaye is a notable actor who enjoys the distinction of having played more original parts in New York in the last five years than any other actor now on stage. He is a native on Louden County, Virginia, was originally designed for the priesthood and educated with that view at Ottawa College, Canada, and Georgetown University. Doubting his vocation in the ministry he studied law for a year, but in 1883 went on stage with Lawrence Barrett in his production of "Francesca da Rimini" at the Star Theatre, New York. He has since been with many companies, his more notable roles being Prince Saviani in "Jocelyn," Don Stephano in "Featherbrain," Jefferson Stockton in "Aristocracy," De Noirville in "Roger Le Honte," and Solomon Strong in "The Idler.".

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.