Wilfred Lucas

Wilfred Lucas was an American actor best known for his roles in Modern Times, Brother Orchid, and Pardon Us. He was born on January 30, 1871, in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, and passed away on December 13, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Personal and Family Life

Lucas was the youngest of three sons and grew up in Norfolk, Ontario. He studied at McGill University before moving to New York in 1904, where he began acting in Broadway plays. He was married three times; his first wife, Alice Louise Perine, had two children with him. After their divorce, he married Bess Meredyth, with whom he had another son, John Meredyth Lucas.

Career Highlights

Initially, Lucas found success on stage, appearing in various plays before transitioning to film. He started his film career with D.W. Griffith at Biograph Studios and later became a director, writing and directing around 40 films during his career. He was known for playing tough-guy roles and had a memorable appearance as a prison warden in Pardon Us (1931), a film featuring the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Death and Legacy

Wilfred Lucas died of coronary disease on December 13, 1940. He left behind a legacy as a versatile actor who successfully navigated the transition from silent films to talkies. His contributions to early cinema are remembered, and his work remains significant in the history of film.

Filmography