Karl Dane

Who was Karl Dane?

Karl Dane was a Danish-American comedian and actor known for his work in American films, mainly of the silent film era. He worked alongside Rudolph Valentino, John Gilbert, and King Vidor. In 1926, he teamed up with George K. Arthur to form the successful comedy duo Dane & Arthur. At the peak of his career, he was making $1500 a week.

In the 1930s, Dane was forced to quit his film career due to a nervous breakdown and trouble with his heavy accent. Unable to find work in the film industry, he eventually killed himself in 1934. His career decline and death have been cited as an extreme example of the fate that befell many silent film stars who were unable to make the transition to sound films.