Jack King
Actor
About Jack King
Jack King was a multifaceted talent in early Hollywood, primarily recognized as a composer, pianist, and occasional character actor during the transition from silent films to talkies. Born in 1883 in Tacoma, Washington, he established himself as a musical professional before finding a niche in the film industry as both a songwriter and a supporting player. King is perhaps best remembered for his association with Cecil B. DeMille, contributing the music for the song 'Live and Love Today' in the extravagant pre-Code musical 'Madam Satan' (1930), in which he also appeared on screen. His acting career was largely defined by uncredited or supporting roles, often appearing as musicians, henchmen, or background characters in B-westerns and melodramas. Beyond his own performances, King gained unique notoriety as the owner and trainer of 'Kazan,' a famous German Shepherd dog star of the 1930s. He remained active in the industry through the early 1940s, balancing his work as a stuntman and bit player with his musical pursuits until his death in 1943.
The Craft
On Screen
King was a versatile character actor who specialized in understated supporting roles. His tall, thinnish frame made him a reliable choice for henchmen and posse members in Westerns, while his real-life musical proficiency allowed him to play pianists and performers with authentic ease.
Milestones
- Composed the theme song 'How Am I To Know' for the 1929 film 'Dynamite'
- Appeared in and composed music for Cecil B. DeMille's 'Madam Satan' (1930)
- Owner and trainer of the famous canine actor Kazan
- Produced and starred in the B-western 'Outlaw's Highway' (1934)
- Contributed to approximately 50 films as a character actor and stuntman
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized in the AFI Catalog for his dual contributions as composer and actor
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Jack King represents the 'working class' of the Golden Age of Hollywood—the versatile professionals who moved seamlessly between musical composition, acting, and stunt work. His contribution to 'Madam Satan' helped define the musical identity of one of the era's most visually ambitious and eccentric films. Additionally, his work as an animal trainer helped sustain the popular 'dog hero' subgenre of the 1930s, a significant cultural staple of early sound cinema.
Lasting Legacy
King's legacy is preserved through his musical compositions that continue to be studied by film historians of the pre-Code era. He is also remembered in the niche history of B-westerns as a reliable utility player who contributed to the genre's prolific output during the 1930s. His dog, Kazan, remains a footnote in the history of famous Hollywood animals, largely thanks to King's training.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the early integration of diegetic music in sound films, demonstrating how a composer could also serve as an effective on-screen presence to enhance realism in musical sequences.
Off Screen
Jack King was married to Mary King (also known as Rhea King), who occasionally worked alongside him as a relief rider and assistant in his animal training ventures. The couple was well-known in the Hollywood community for their devotion to their animals, particularly their star dog, Kazan.
Education
Musical training as a pianist and composer, though specific institutions are unrecorded.
Family
- Mary 'Rhea' King
Did You Know?
- He purchased his future star dog, Kazan, from a pound for only 85 cents.
- At the height of Kazan's career, the dog earned $250 a day, significantly more than King's own acting fees.
- King is often confused in databases with the Disney animator of the same name.
- He was a skilled stuntman who performed his own riding in several B-westerns.
- His film 'Outlaw's Highway' was later re-released under the title 'Fighting Fury' in 1935.
- He died of a stroke in New York City in 1943.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jack King?
Jack King was an American character actor, composer, and animal trainer active during the early sound era of Hollywood. He is best known for his musical contributions to Cecil B. DeMille films and for training the canine star Kazan.
What is Jack King's most famous film?
His most notable appearance is in the 1930 Cecil B. DeMille musical 'Madam Satan,' where he played the role of Herman and also composed music for the film's soundtrack.
Was Jack King also a musician?
Yes, King was a professional pianist and composer. He wrote the theme song 'How Am I To Know' for the film 'Dynamite' (1929) and collaborated with famous lyricists like Elsie Janis.
When did Jack King die?
Jack King passed away on October 8, 1943, in New York City following a stroke.
What was Jack King's relationship with the dog Kazan?
Jack King was the owner and trainer of Kazan, a German Shepherd who became a minor movie star in the 1930s. King rescued the dog from a pound and featured him in several films, including 'Outlaw's Highway'.
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Films
1 film
