Reginald Switz was an English actor known for his work in early cinema, particularly for the ‘Winky’ comedy series. He starred in numerous short films during the early 20th century and became a familiar face in British comedy.
Personal and Family Life
Reginald Alfred Schwitzguebel, born on November 6, 1874, in Pimlico, London, had a life shrouded in mystery. He was married to Frances Maud Hodgson, although details about their life together are scarce.
Career
Switz began his career in the music halls as a mime comic and quickly gained fame for his performances. He starred in over 50 short comedy films between 1914 and 1915, mostly paired with popular husband-and-wife comedic duo Lily Ward and Alf ‘Scottie’ Scott. His debut film, ‘Winky Learns a Lesson in Honesty’, was particularly well-received, leading to a series of successful shorts.
Death and Legacy
Reginald Switz passed away on March 17, 1954, in Adelaide, South Australia. Despite his earlier popularity, he has largely faded from public consciousness, yet his work in early cinema continues to be recognized by film historians.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1914 | Winky’s Invisible Ink | Winky |
| 1915 | Mushroom Stew | The Husband |
| 1915 | A Bid for Bounty | The Husband |
| 1915 | A Comedy of Errors | The Poet |
| 1915 | Winky Is the Long and Short of It | Winky |
| 1915 | Winky, Photographer | Winky |
| 1915 | Birds of a Feather Plot Together | Winky |
| 1915 | Venus and the Knuts | Winky |
| 1915 | Winky’s Blue Diamond | Winky |