Victor Potel

Victor Potel was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Sin of Harold Diddlebock,” “The Palm Beach Story,” and the “Snakeville” series. Born on October 12, 1889, in Lafayette, Indiana, he had a long career in film that began with silent movies and continued into the early sound era.

Personal and Family Life

Victor Potel married Mildred Ludmilla Pam on November 23, 1914. They met when Mildred visited the set of a comedy he was working on at Essanay Studios. After a quick romance, they tied the knot in San Francisco, where their arrival back in Niles was celebrated by the Essanay Company staff. The couple remained together until Potel’s death in 1947.

Career

Potel began his acting career in 1910 with Essanay Film Manufacturing Company, appearing in many early silent films. He became recognized for his roles in the Broncho Billy series and the Universal Pictures’ “Snakeville” series. Often cast in comic roles due to his height and unique appearance, he also wrote and directed films in the 1920s and worked as a character actor in several Preston Sturges films.

Death and Legacy

Victor Potel passed away on March 8, 1947, in Hollywood, California, from colon cancer. His extensive career in film and contributions to the early movie industry left a lasting impact, especially in comedy. Potel is remembered for his memorable characters and significant presence in silent and early sound films.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Sin of Harold Diddlebock 1947-04-04 Prof. Potelle
The Palm Beach Story 1942-08-28 Mr. McKeewie
King of the Wild 1931-03-01 Peterson
Christmas in July 1940-10-25 Davenola Salesman
The Virginian 1929-11-09 Nebrasky
The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek 1943-12-12 Newspaper Editor
The Girl of the Golden West 1938-03-18 Lem – Stagecoach Driver
Sullivan’s Travels 1941-11-30 Cameraman
Damaged Lives 1933-09-15 Undetermined Role
God’s Country and the Woman 1937-01-16 Turpentine
The Good-for-Nothing 1914-06-08 Old Clerk
Big Boy Rides Again 1935-01-05 Ranch Foreman Scarface
Three Godfathers 1936-03-06 ‘Buck Tooth’
The Adventures of Rex and Rinty 1935-08-30 Kinso
One a Minute 1921-06-19 Jingo Pitts
The Virtuous Sin 1930-10-24 Sentry
The Squaw Man 1931-07-21 Andy
Selling Shorts 1931-11-29 Slim Bassil
Down to the Sea 1936-05-30 Andy
Border Romance 1929-05-25 Slim
The Last of the Clintons 1935-11-12 Jed Clinton
Small Town Boy 1937-09-24 Abner Towner
Gun Play 1935-12-02 Brawler (uncredited)
On the Great White Trail 1938-07-22 Lyons
Frontier Days 1934-11-14 Deputy Tex Hatch
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence 1939-11-03 Ranch Hand
Water, Water, Everywhere 1920-02-08 Steve Brainard
Below the Line 1925-09-20 ‘Cuckoo’ Niles
Thunder Over Texas 1934-10-18 Dick
Yellow Dust 1936-03-12 Jugger – the Bartender
The Cowboy and the Bandit 1935-04-02 Lanky
Western Frontier 1935-08-07 Slim
Hollywood Cavalcade 1939-10-13 Slim
Scandal Sheet 1931-01-31 Reporter
The Villain Still Pursued Her 1940-10-11 Policeman (uncredited)
Face in the Sky 1933-01-15 Ed Burns, Carnival Patron (uncredited)
Stand Up and Fight 1939-01-06 Coach Driver
Let Freedom Ring 1939-02-24 Ole Swensen (uncredited)
Down the Wyoming Trail 1939-06-13 Slim
Second Fiddle 193