Dennis King was an American actor best known for his roles in “The Vagabond King,” “Between Two Worlds,” and “The Devil’s Brother.” He was born on November 2, 1897, in Coventry, Warwickshire, England, and later became a prominent figure in Broadway musicals and Shakespearean drama.
Personal and Family Life
Dennis King was married to fellow stage actress Edith Wright from 1919 until her death in 1963. Together, they had two children, including future actors Dennis King Jr. and John Michael King. He had a close family, with three brothers and a sister. King was known for his contributions to both theatrical performances and early television.
Career Highlights
Known as a legendary Broadway star, King created the role of Francois Villon in the musical “The Vagabond King” in 1925. His career transitioned to film, where he made his debut in the same role five years later alongside stars like Jeanette MacDonald. Although primarily a stage actor, he occasionally appeared in films and was also recognized in the television industry.
Death and Legacy
Dennis King passed away on May 21, 1971, in New York City due to a heart ailment. His legacy includes his remarkable contributions to theater and film, and he was posthumously nominated for a Tony Award in 1970 for his performance in John Osborne’s “A Patriot for Me.” He is remembered as one of the few Broadway stars who seamlessly transitioned into the world of drama and early television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Between Two Worlds | 1944-05-20 | Reverend William Duke |
| The Vagabond King | 1930-02-17 | Francois Villon |
| The Devil’s Brother | 1933-05-05 | Fra Diavolo, alias The Marquis De San Marco |
| Give Us Barabbas! | 1961-03-24 | Pontius Pilatus |
| Some Kind of a Nut | 1969-09-14 | Otis Havemeyer |
| The Miracle | 1959-11-12 | Casimir – El Conde de Altimira |
| Aladdin | 1958-02-21 | Astrologer |
| Galas de la Paramount | 1930-07-31 | Self (from original version) |
| Twelfth Night | 1957-12-15 | Sir Toby Belch |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Mr. Temple |
| DuPont Show of the Month | 1957-09-29 | Astrologer |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Mikado |