Nick Cravat was an American actor known for his roles in The Crimson Pirate, The Flame and the Arrow, and Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. Born as Nicolas Cuccia on January 11, 1912, in New York City, he made a significant impact in Hollywood as a talented performer.
Personal and Family Life
Nick Cravat had a background in circus performance before his acting career, which included working as part of a balancing duo act called the Saxons. He partnered with Burt Lancaster in various acrobatic acts, showcasing his impressive strength and skills. Cravat stood at 5 feet 4 inches, but his small stature did not hinder his commanding presence on screen.
Career Highlights
As an acrobat, Cravat performed alongside Lancaster in nine films. He became well known for his roles that often required him to be mute, as his thick Brooklyn accent would not fit the period dramas he starred in. Cravat earned recognition for his strength and ability to captivate audiences, both in the circus and in film.
Death and Legacy
Nick Cravat passed away on January 29, 1994, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, due to lung cancer. His contributions to film and his long-standing partnership with Burt Lancaster have left a lasting impression in the entertainment industry. Remarkably, both Cravat and Lancaster died in the same year, 1994, marking the end of an era in their unique friendship and collaboration.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Crimson Pirate | 1952-09-27 | Ojo |
| The Scalphunters | 1968-02-29 | Yancy |
| The Flame and the Arrow | 1950-07-07 | Piccolo |
| The Island of Dr. Moreau | 1977-07-13 | M’Ling |
| The Way West | 1967-05-24 | Calvelli |
| King Richard and the Crusaders | 1954-08-07 | Nectobanus |
| Run Silent, Run Deep | 1958-03-27 | Russo |
| The Veils of Bagdad | 1953-10-06 | Ahmed |
| 3 Ring Circus | 1954-12-22 | Timmy |
| My Friend Irma | 1949-10-14 | Mushie (uncredited) |
| The File on Thelma Jordon | 1949-11-04 | Reporter (Uncredited) |
| The Midnight Man | 1974-03-07 | Sam, the Gardener |
| The Big Knife | 1955-10-25 | Nick |
| Valdez Is Coming | 1971-04-09 | Gang Member (uncredited) |
| La Classe américaine | 1993-12-31 | José’s Friend (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| The Story of Mankind | 1957-11-08 | Devil’s Apprentice |
| Ulzana’s Raid | 1972-10-27 | Trooper |
| Davy Crockett at the Alamo | 1955-02-23 | Bustedluck |
| Johnny Staccato | 1959-09-10 | |
| The Count of Monte Cristo | 1956-02-20 | Jacopo |
| The Twilight Zone | 1959-10-02 | Gremlin (uncredited) |
| The Outcasts | 1968-09-23 |