Karl Dane (born Rasmus Karl Therkelsen Gottlieb, 12 October 1886 â€"
14 April 1934) was a Danish-American comedian and actor known for his
work in American films, mainly of the silent film era. He became a
star after portraying “Slim†, a supporting role in one of the most
successful silent films of all time, The Big Parade (1925), directed
by King Vidor and starring John Gilbert.After signing with MGM in
1926, he appeared in supporting roles in several popular silent films
before teaming up with George K. Arthur to form the successful comedy
duo Dane & Arthur. They appeared in a number of silent, short comedy
films and toured the vaudeville circuit. At the peak of his career,
Dane earned $1500 a week. As the film industry transitioned from
silent to sound films in the late 1920s, Dane's thick Danish accent
became problematic. By 1930, Dane was relegated to less prominent
roles, often with little to no dialogue. Later that year, MGM
terminated his contract. Dane attempted to pursue work in other fields
but found no success. Broke and despondent, he died of a
self-inflicted gunshot wound in April 1934.Karl Dane's rapid career
decline, depression and subsequent death have been cited as an extreme
example of the fate that befell many silent film stars who were unable
to make the transition from silent to sound films.
14 April 1934) was a Danish-American comedian and actor known for his
work in American films, mainly of the silent film era. He became a
star after portraying “Slim†, a supporting role in one of the most
successful silent films of all time, The Big Parade (1925), directed
by King Vidor and starring John Gilbert.After signing with MGM in
1926, he appeared in supporting roles in several popular silent films
before teaming up with George K. Arthur to form the successful comedy
duo Dane & Arthur. They appeared in a number of silent, short comedy
films and toured the vaudeville circuit. At the peak of his career,
Dane earned $1500 a week. As the film industry transitioned from
silent to sound films in the late 1920s, Dane's thick Danish accent
became problematic. By 1930, Dane was relegated to less prominent
roles, often with little to no dialogue. Later that year, MGM
terminated his contract. Dane attempted to pursue work in other fields
but found no success. Broke and despondent, he died of a
self-inflicted gunshot wound in April 1934.Karl Dane's rapid career
decline, depression and subsequent death have been cited as an extreme
example of the fate that befell many silent film stars who were unable
to make the transition from silent to sound films.
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