Henry Victor was an American actor known for his roles in Freaks, To Be or Not to Be, and King of the Zombies. Born on October 2, 1892, in London, England, he was raised in Germany and became a prominent figure in both British and American cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Henry Victor was born in London but grew up in Germany, which influenced his accent and acting career. He began his film journey in 1914 and became well-known for playing leading roles in silent films. Despite facing challenges with sound films due to his thick Teutonic accent, Victor managed to carve out a successful career as a character actor.
Acting Career
Victor is best remembered for his powerful performances, particularly as Hercules in the cult classic Freaks and as Captain Schultz in To Be or Not to Be. Spanning over three decades, his work includes both British and American films, where he often portrayed villainous characters, especially during World War II. Throughout his career, he appeared in more than 100 films, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Death and Legacy
Henry Victor passed away on March 15, 1945, at the age of 52 due to a brain tumor. He is buried at Oakwood Memorial Cemetery in Chatsworth, California. His legacy lives on through his iconic roles and contributions to film history, especially in the genres of horror and comedy.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| To Be or Not to Be | 1942-03-05 | Capt. Schultz |
| King of the Zombies | 1941-05-14 | Dr. Miklos Sangre |
| The Mad Doctor | 1940-12-20 | Furber (Uncredited) |
| Nick Carter, Master Detective | 1939-12-13 | Hammil – tall spy boss |
| L’Argent | 1928-12-25 | Jacques Hamelin |
| The White Shadow | 1924-05-05 | Louis Chadwick |
| Tiger Bay | 1934-09-01 | Olaf |
| Luxury Liner | 1933-02-03 | Baron von Luden |
| The Conquest of the Air | 1936-12-01 | Otto Lilienthal |
| Mystery Sea Raider | 1940-10-26 | Cmdr. Bulow |
| Suicide Fleet | 1931-11-20 | Captain Von Schlettow |
| Hotel Imperial | 1939-05-11 | Sultanov (uncredited) |
| The Old Wives’ Tale | 1921-01-01 | Gerald |
| The Beloved Rogue | 1927-03-12 | Thibault d’Aussigny |