Biography
Karl Dane (born Rasmus Karl Therkelsen Gottlieb, 12 October 1886 – 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 very successful silent comedy features. When sound films arrived, they made short-subject comedies and toured in vaudeville. At the peak of his career, Dane earned $1,500 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.
Filmography
all 46
Movies 46
self 4
The Big Parade of Comedy (1964)
The Whispering Shadow (1933)
Fast Life (1932)
Summer Daze (1932)
A Put Up Job (1932)
Lime Juice Nights (1931)
Dumbbells in Derbies (1931)
New Moon (1930)
Knights Before Christmas (1930)
Crazy House (1930)
Billy the Kid (1930)
The March of Time (1930)
The Big House (1930)
Free and Easy (1930)
Montana Moon (1930)
Navy Blues (1929)
The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929)
Speedway (1929)
The Mysterious Island (1929)
China Bound (1929)
The Duke Steps Out (1929)
All at Sea (1929)
Brotherly Love (1928)
Show People (1928)
Alias Jimmy Valentine (1928)
Detectives (1928)
The Trail of '98 (1928)
Baby Mine (1928)
The Enemy (1927)
Rookies (1927)
Slide, Kelly, Slide (1927)
The Red Mill (1927)
The Scarlet Letter (1927)
Dreams of Monte Carlo (1926)
War Paint (1926)
Bardelys the Magnificent (1926)
The Son of the Sheik (1926)
La Bohème (1926)
His Secretary (1925)
The Everlasting Whisper (1925)
The Big Parade (1925)
Lights of Old Broadway (1925)
The Whirlwind (1920)
The Great Gamble (1919)
Wolves of Kultur (1918)
My Four Years in Germany (1918)
Ratings
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Information
Known ForActing
GenderMale
Birthday1886-10-12
Deathday1934-04-14 (47 years old)
Birth NameRasmus Karl Therkelsen Gottlieb
Birth PlaceCopenhagen, Denmark
CitizenshipsDenmark, United States of America
Also Known AsCarl Dane, Dane, Rasmus Karl Therkelsen Gottlieb, The Great Dane
Awardsstar on Hollywood Walk of Fame
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