Basil Ruysdael was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Broken Arrow, Pinky, and Colorado Territory. Born on July 24, 1878, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he became a notable figure in film and theater before passing away on October 10, 1960, in Hollywood, California.
Personal and Family Life
Basil Ruysdael was married three times. His first marriage was to Eleanor Mason Manierre in 1915, which ended in divorce in 1923. He then married Rose Swettenham in 1925, but this marriage also ended in divorce in 1944. Finally, he married Kathleen Dobbyn in 1945, and they remained together until his death.
Career
Before his acting career, Basil was a star bass-baritone with the Metropolitan Opera Company from 1910 to 1918, where he was particularly known for his role as the King in Verdi’s “Aida.” He transitioned to acting in films and radio in the 1930s, often portraying magistrates, judges, and military officers. His stage experience greatly influenced his performances on screen, and he became a respected character actor in Hollywood.
Death and Legacy
Basil Ruysdael died on October 10, 1960, due to complications following surgery. His contributions to both theater and film left a lasting impact, and he is remembered for his diverse roles in various genres. His legacy continues through his work that remains appreciated by audiences today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Cocoanuts | 1929-05-23 | Detective Hennessy |
| Blackboard Jungle | 1955-03-25 | Prof. A.R. Kraal |
| Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier | 1955-05-25 | Gen. / President Andrew Jackson |
| Colorado Territory | 1949-06-11 | Dave Rickard (‘The Old Man’) |
| The File on Thelma Jordon | 1949-11-04 | Judge Jonathan David Hancock |
| The Scarf | 1951-04-06 | Cyrus Barrington |
| One Way Street | 1950-04-01 | Father Moreno |
| The Violent Men | 1955-01-26 | Tex Hinkleman |
| Broken Arrow | 1950-08-01 | General Oliver |
| Carrie | 1952-07-17 | Mr. Fitzgerald |
| These Wilder Years | 1956-08-17 | Judge |
| Gambling House | 1950-12-27 | Judge Ravinek |
| The Horse Soldiers | 1959-06-11 | The Reverend (Jefferson Military Academy) |
| The Last Hurrah | 1958-12-31 | The Episcopal Bishop |
| High Lonesome | 1950-09-01 | ‘Horse’ Davis |
| Come to the Stable | 1949-07-27 | The Bishop |
| Pearl of the South Pacific | 1955-09-16 | Tuan Michael |
| Boots Malone | 1952-01-11 | Preacher Cole |
| Raton Pass | 1951-04-07 | Pierre Challon |
| The Shanghai Story | 1954-09-01 | Rev. Hollingsworth |
| Jubal | 1956-02-25 | Shem Hoktor |
| The Archives | 1940-07-23 | Narrator |
| Pinky | 1949-09-28 | Judge Walker |
| The Doctor and the Girl | 1949-09-29 | Dr. Francis I. Garard |
| People Will Talk | 1951-08-29 | Dean Lyman Brockwell |
| Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter | 1954-12-15 | General Jackson |
| My Forbidden Past | 1951-04-25 | Dean Cazzley |
| Dealers in Death | 1934-01-01 | Narrator |
| The Story of Ruth | 1960-06-17 | Shammah |
| Diane | 1956-01-12 | Chamberlain |
| The Romance of Iron and Steel | 1938-01-01 | Narrator |
| Davy Crockett Goes to Congress | 1955-01-26 | Andrew Jackson |
| Half Angel | 1951-05-05 | Dr. Jackson |
| Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors | 1943-02-10 | Narrator |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Henry W. Dameron |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | |
| Black Saddle | 1959-01-10 | Senator McQueen |