Acting

Arthur Donaldson

Biography

Swedish born classical stage star Arthur Donaldson born in Norsholm, Sweden in 1869. A well-known stage actor and a light opera baritone singer. Moved to the United States in 1883 and began his stage career in the 1890's, he originated the role of 'The Prince of Pilsen' in 1903. Handsome performer who often played high class gentlemen in more than 80 movies, making his film debut in 'A Lad from Old Ireland' for the Kalem Film Co in 1910. During the early 1910's he returned to Sweden, appearing in operettas at Oscarsteatern and also made two Swedish films (one as director) before going back to America. He became one of the best regarded character actors of the World War I era including as a German General in 'For France' at Vitagraph Film Co in 1917, one of his most memorable roles was that of George III in D.W. Griffith's 'America' in 1920. In 1925 he produced and directed 'Retribution' an experimental sound film intended for a Swedish-speaking audience, ironically, sound ultimately put an end to his screen career, he returned to the stage permanently in 1927, making his Broadway directorial debut in 1934 with 'The Green Stick'. He died in Long Island, New York in 1955 age 86.