Ted Billings

Ted Billings was an American actor born on April 7, 1880, in London, England. He is best known for his roles in Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Babes in the Woods (1917), and The Flaming Hour (1922). He passed away on July 5, 1947, in Los Angeles County, California.

Personal and Family Life

Ted Billings was married to Margaret Hennessey Ludwick from February 19, 1920, until her death on January 12, 1939. He was also the stepfather of Richard and Elmo Billings, child actors known for their work in “Roach’s Rascals.” Another stepson, Ben Ludwick Billings, acted in silent films, including “The Birth of a Nation,” but tragically died at a young age.

Career Achievements

Billings had a successful career as an actor, appearing in numerous films over several decades. His role in Bride of Frankenstein remains one of his most recognized performances. Additionally, a career study about him, titled “Another Forgotten Face: Ted Billings [1882-1947],” won a Rondo award in 2024, highlighting his contributions to the film industry.

Death and Legacy

Ted Billings died on July 5, 1947, leaving behind a legacy as a character actor remembered for his diverse roles in classic films. His work continues to be appreciated by fans of vintage cinema, and he is often regarded as a notable figure in the history of American film.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Bride of Frankenstein 1935-04-20 Ludwig
The Body Snatcher 1945-05-25 Townsman (uncredited)
The Invisible Man’s Revenge 1944-06-09 Bettor in Pub (uncredited)
The Little Minister 1934-12-28 Villager
Pacific Liner 1939-01-06 Stoker (uncredited)
Mr. Moto’s Last Warning 1939-01-20 Barfly (uncredited)
Undercover Agent 1939-04-19 Barfly
Tower of London 1939-11-17 Beggar (uncredited)
The Man in the Iron Mask 1939-07-13 Prisoner in Bastille
On With the Show! 1929-07-13 Stagehand (uncredited)
Hallelujah, I’m a Bum 1933-02-03 Bum with Violin
Frankenstein 1931-11-21 Villager (uncredited)
The Eagle and the Hawk 1933-05-06 Cockney Soldier (uncredited)
The Earl of Chicago 1940-01-05 Townsman Outside House of Lords (uncredited)
Abe Lincoln in Illinois 1940-02-22 Onlooker at Debate (uncredited)
North of the Rio Grande 1937-06-28 Saloon Waiter
Moby Dick 1930-09-20 Sailor
The Light of Western Stars 1940-04-17 Saloon Waiter
The Lady from Cheyenne 1941-04-11 Man at Auction
Tin Pan Alley 1940-11-29 Recruit Poster Peddler in Montage (uncredited)
Seven Sinners 1940-10-25 Saloon / Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
The Son of Monte Cristo 1940-12-05 Townsman in Mirbach’s Shop (Uncredited)
Captain Caution 1940-08-09 Prisoner in Brig
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes 1939-09-01 Pub Customer (uncredited)
Stagecoach 1939-03-03 Bit Part (uncredited)
Road Gang 1936-03-28 Convict (uncredited)
Smoking Guns 1934-06-11 Townsman at Dance
The Kansan 1943-09-10 Barfly
Confirm or Deny 1941-12-12 Air Raid Refugee in Subway Crowd
The Prisoner of Zenda 1922-09-11 Train Passenger Eating Banana (uncredited)
A Guy Named Joe 1943-12-24 Man (uncredited)
Jane Eyre 1943-12-24 Townsman
Mission to Moscow 1943-04-29 Man at Inn (uncredited)
If I Were King 1938-09-28 Parisian Peasant
The Calling of Dan Matthews 1935-12-10 Card Player (uncredited)
Hangover Square 1945-02-07 Pub Patron (uncredited)
Two Sisters from Boston 1946-06-06 Golden Rooster Patron (uncredited)
The Man in Half Moon Street 1945-01-19 Man Sleeping on