Skelton Knaggs was an American actor known for his unique appearance and roles in horror films. He is best remembered for his performances in “The Ghost Ship,” “Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome,” and “House of Dracula.”
Personal and Family Life
Skelton Barnaby Knaggs was born on June 27, 1911, in Sheffield, England. He trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and started his career on stage in Shakespearean plays. In 1949, he married Thelma Crawshaw. Despite his success in films, he remained a deeply private individual.
Career Highlights
Knaggs’ film career began in the 1930s with small roles in English films. After moving to Los Angeles, he became known for eerie roles in numerous horror movies, often portraying sinister characters. He appeared in several classic films, including “The Invisible Man’s Revenge” and “Terror by Night,” and became a regular figure in the horror genre.
Death and Legacy
Skelton Knaggs passed away on May 1, 1955, due to cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 43. He is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, not far from other film legends. Despite his typecasting, Knaggs left a memorable mark on the horror film industry with his distinctive presence and performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Terror by Night | 1946-02-01 | Sands – Moran’s Accomplice |
| Isle of the Dead | 1945-09-01 | Andrew Robbins (uncredited) |
| House of Dracula | 1945-12-07 | Steinmuhl |
| Bedlam | 1946-05-10 | Varney (uncredited) |
| The Invisible Man’s Revenge | 1944-06-09 | Alf Perry, Cabman (uncredited) |
| Moonfleet | 1955-06-24 | Jacob |
| Blackbeard, the Pirate | 1952-12-24 | Gilly |
| A Scandal in Paris | 1946-07-19 | Cousin Pierre |
| South Riding | 1938-08-01 | Reg. Aythorne |
| The Spy in Black | 1939-08-03 | German Sailor looking for Capt. Hardt |
| Torture Ship | 1939-10-28 | Jesse Bixel |
| Just Before Dawn | 1946-03-07 | Louie (uncredited) |
| Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome | 1947-09-26 | X-Ray |
| Master Minds | 1949-11-27 | Hugo |
| Everything Is Thunder | 1936-09-30 | Young Man with Lantern |
| Rembrandt | 1936-11-06 | Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited) |
| The High Command | 1937-08-23 | Fazerack |
| The Paleface | 1948-12-17 | Pete |
| Diamond Frontier | 1940-09-30 | Morgan |
| The Ghost Ship | 1943-12-16 | Paolo ‘Finn’ Lindstrom, the Mute |
| Dick Tracy vs. Cueball | 1946-11-22 | Rudolph |
| The Lodger | 1944-01-19 | Man with Cart |
| Headin’ for God’s Country | 1943-08-26 | Jeff |
| Casanova’s Big Night | 1954-04-07 | Little Man |
| Thank Your Lucky Stars | 1943-09-25 | Pub Patron in Errol Flynn Number (uncredited) |