Kit Guard was an American actor born Christen Klitgaard on May 5, 1894, in Hals, Denmark. He is best known for his work in silent films and his roles in various B-westerns and serials during the sound era.
Personal and Family Life
Kit Guard was born into a farming family and emigrated to Canada with his parents and four brothers in 1901. The family later moved to San Francisco, California, where he became a citizen. He married Nell Griffith Sullivan in 1924, but they divorced in 1929 due to claims of his alcoholism and violent behavior. He later married Hazel Bowers until her death in 1961.
Career
Before starting his film career in 1922, Kit had eight years of theatrical experience. He became well-known as a silent screen comedian, frequently paired with Al Cooke in various comedy series and short films. During the 1930s, he shifted to smaller supporting roles in low-budget films and was often seen in B-westerns and comedy shorts, including those featuring the Three Stooges.
Death and Legacy
Kit Guard passed away on July 18, 1961, from stomach cancer in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. He was laid to rest at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood. Despite the ups and downs in his career, he remains remembered for his contributions to comedy in early film and television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Unholy Garden | 1931-10-06 | Kid Twist |
| Frontier Scout | 1938-09-16 | Henchman King |
| The Green Archer | 1940-10-25 | Dinky Stone |
| Mickey’s Touchdown | 1933-10-13 | Stinky Davis’s Coach |
| The Monster and the Ape | 1945-04-20 | Zoo Guard |
| Carnival Lady | 1933-11-11 | Gorilla Watson |
| The Cactus Kid | 1935-01-04 | Smiley, the waiter |
| Night Work | 1930-08-03 | Squint |
| You Can’t Take It with You | 1938-09-01 | Inmate Wearing Black Cap (uncredited) |
| Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence | 1939-11-03 | Extra as Hobo |