Victor Kilian was an American actor, famous for his roles in films such as “The Ox-Bow Incident,” “Dr. Cyclops,” and the TV series “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” He had a long career in theater and film, both on Broadway and in Hollywood.
Personal and Family Life
Victor Kilian was born on March 6, 1891, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was married to Daisy Johnson from 1915 until her death in 1961, and they had one child together, Victor Kilian Jr. Throughout his life, Kilian was known for his strong presence on stage and screen, enjoying a prolific acting career from the 1920s through the 1970s.
Career
Kilian began his career in vaudeville and quickly moved to Broadway, where he was active from 1926 to 1962, performing in 26 productions. He transitioned to film in the 1930s, often taking on supporting roles and character parts, which showcased his gruff demeanor. However, in the early 1950s, Kilian was blacklisted due to his political beliefs during the Communist witch hunts, which led him to return to the stage for the remainder of his career.
Death and Legacy
Victor Kilian tragically passed away on March 11, 1979, in Hollywood, California. He was murdered in his apartment by burglars, just days after fellow actor Charles Wagenheim experienced a similar fate. Kilian’s final television appearance was on the episode “The Return of Stephanie’s Father” on “All in the Family,” which aired shortly before his death.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Ox-Bow Incident | 1943-03-11 | Darby |
| Dr. Cyclops | 1940-04-09 | Steve Baker |
| The Adventures of Tom Sawyer | 1938-02-11 | Sheriff |
| The Flame and the Arrow | 1950-07-07 | Apothecary Mazzoni |
| Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman | 1976-01-05 | Raymond Larkin |