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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Bride of Frankenstein1935-04-20Ludwig
The Body Snatcher1945-05-25Townsman (uncredited)
The Invisible Man’s Revenge1944-06-09Bettor in Pub (uncredited)
The Little Minister1934-12-28Villager
Pacific Liner1939-01-06Stoker (uncredited)
Mr. Moto’s Last Warning1939-01-20Barfly (uncredited)
Undercover Agent1939-04-19Barfly
Tower of London1939-11-17Beggar (uncredited)
The Man in the Iron Mask1939-07-13Prisoner in Bastille
On With the Show!1929-07-13Stagehand (uncredited)
Hallelujah, I’m a Bum1933-02-03Bum with Violin
Frankenstein1931-11-21Villager (uncredited)
The Eagle and the Hawk1933-05-06Cockney Soldier (uncredited)
The Earl of Chicago1940-01-05Townsman Outside House of Lords (uncredited)
Abe Lincoln in Illinois1940-02-22Onlooker at Debate (uncredited)
North of the Rio Grande1937-06-28Saloon Waiter
Moby Dick1930-09-20Sailor
The Light of Western Stars1940-04-17Saloon Waiter
The Lady from Cheyenne1941-04-11Man at Auction
Tin Pan Alley1940-11-29Recruit Poster Peddler in Montage (uncredited)
Seven Sinners1940-10-25Saloon / Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
The Son of Monte Cristo1940-12-05Townsman in Mirbach’s Shop (Uncredited)
Captain Caution1940-08-09Prisoner in Brig
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes1939-09-01Pub Customer (uncredited)
Stagecoach1939-03-03Bit Part (uncredited)
Road Gang1936-03-28Convict (uncredited)
Smoking Guns1934-06-11Townsman at Dance
The Kansan1943-09-10Barfly
Confirm or Deny1941-12-12Air Raid Refugee in Subway Crowd
The Prisoner of Zenda1922-09-11Train Passenger Eating Banana (uncredited)
A Guy Named Joe1943-12-24Man (uncredited)
Jane Eyre1943-12-24Townsman
Mission to Moscow1943-04-29Man at Inn (uncredited)
If I Were King1938-09-28Parisian Peasant
The Calling of Dan Matthews1935-12-10Card Player (uncredited)
Hangover Square1945-02-07Pub Patron (uncredited)
Two Sisters from Boston1946-06-06Golden Rooster Patron (uncredited)
The Man in Half Moon Street1945-01-19Man Sleeping on