Arthur Donaldson was an American actor born in Norsholm, Sweden, in 1869. He is best known for his roles in “America,” “The ABC of Love,” and “The Swan.” Donaldson had a successful career as a stage actor and a baritone singer, becoming a prominent figure in both theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
Arthur Donaldson was married to Florence Walcott until her death on June 29, 1937. He began his acting career at the young age of 7 and later moved to the United States in 1883, where he made a name for himself on the stage. His early years in Sweden contributed to his skills as a performer.
Career Achievements
Donaldson’s career started in the 1890s, where he gained fame for originating the role of ‘The Prince of Pilsen’ in 1903. He enjoyed a successful run in both theatre and film, starring in over 80 movies throughout his life. His most notable roles include a German General in “For France” during World War I and King George III in D.W. Griffith’s “America” in 1920.
Death and Legacy
Arthur Donaldson passed away from natural causes on September 28, 1955, in Long Island, New York, at the age of 86. His contributions to the arts, especially in the realm of American theater and film, left a lasting impact on the industry. Donaldson is remembered as a talented character actor and a pioneer in early cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The ABC of Love | 1919-12-14 | Prof. George Collins |
| The Swan | 1925-02-16 | Franz, the Court Chamberlain |
| When Knighthood Was in Flower | 1922-09-15 | Sir Henry Brandon |
| Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em | 1926-03-19 | Mr. McGonigle |
| The Lad from Old Ireland | 1910-11-23 | Parish Priest |
| Fifty-Fifty | 1925-11-15 | Grand Duke Popovitch |
| The Colleen Bawn | 1911-10-16 | Father Tom |
| Yolanda | 1924-09-15 | Lord Bishop |
| Rory O’More | 1911-09-03 | Father O’Brien |
| His Mother | 1912-01-25 | The Priest |
| America | 1924-02-21 | King George III |
| The Passionate Pilgrim | 1921-01-02 | O’Rell |
| The Faded Flower | 1916-07-26 | Wilbur Mason |
| The Land of the Lost | 1914-07-01 | Baron de Coverly |
| Find the Woman | 1922-04-02 | Morris Beiner |
| Danger Trail | 1917-04-30 | Pierre Thoreau |
| Wolfe or the Conquest of Quebec | 1914-05-25 | Marquis de Montcalm |
| The Blind Basket Weaver | 1913-08-25 | Dr. Arnold |
| The Bribe | 1913-09-08 | Higby – a Political Rival |
| The Padrone’s Plot | 1913-12-01 | The Padrone |
| Old Lace | 1931-08-04 | |
| Miss Dulcie from Dixie | 1919-03-24 | Uncle John |
| Over the Top | 1918-03-31 | Friederich von Emden |
| Babbling Tongues | 1917-08-13 | Joseph Moreau |
| Atonement | 1919-09-01 | Anselmo |
| Mothers of Men | 1920-03-10 | Gen. De La Motte |
| Who Goes There? | 1917-11-24 | Gen. Von Reiter |
| Enlighten Thy Daughter | 1917-01-28 | Richard Stevens |
| For Woman’s Favor | 1924-08-01 | The Brother |
| Runaway June | 1915-01-13 | |
| The Broadway Drifter | 1927-04-01 | Frank Harmon |
| The School for Wives | 1925-04-05 | Jordan B. Lynch |
| The Bandolero | 1924-10-20 | Juan |