George K. Arthur was an American actor who is best known for Kipps, The Salvation Hunters, and his work with the comedy team “Arthur and Dane”. Born on January 27, 1899, in Littlehampton, Sussex, England, he eventually moved to America where he became involved in film and theatre.
Personal and Family Life
Arthur was born Arthur George Brest, the son of a traveling salesman and a department store demonstrator. He had a difficult childhood, often working from a young age to support himself. He married Milba Lloyd in 1922 and later Elaine, and had a passion for acting from his experiences in military shows during World War One.
Career Highlights
After moving to America, Arthur found some success in film, starting with his role in Kipps. He worked alongside notable names like Mae Marsh and Karl Dane, but faced challenges, especially with the arrival of sound in films. Despite these hurdles, he created his own productions and had a successful run in Hollywood before moving on to television during the later years of his career.
Death and Legacy
George K. Arthur passed away on May 30, 1985, in New York City, New York, leaving behind a mixed legacy in the entertainment industry. He bequeathed his papers, including an unfinished autobiography, to Columbia University, showcasing his impact on comedy and film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Hollywood Revue of 1929 | 1929-11-23 | Self |
| Lady of the Night | 1925-02-23 | ‘Chunky’ Dunn |
| Pleasure Cruise | 1933-04-01 | Bellboy |
| Her Sister from Paris | 1925-08-01 | Robert Well |
| The Boob | 1926-05-17 | Peter Good |
| Almost a Lady | 1926-09-27 | Bob |
| Spring Fever | 1927-10-22 | Eustace Tewksbury |
| The Waning Sex | 1926-09-05 | Hamilton Day |
| The Last of Mrs. Cheyney | 1929-07-06 | George |
| Kiki | 1926-04-04 | Adolphe |
| Riptide | 1934-03-29 | Bertie Davis |
| Oliver Twist | 1933-02-28 | Toby Crackit |
| The Salvation Hunters | 1925-02-15 | The Boy |
| Vanessa: Her Love Story | 1935-03-01 | Porter |
| That’s Entertainment! III | 1994-07-01 | (archive footage) |
| Summer Daze | 1932-04-15 | George |