Colin Campbell
Actor
About Colin Campbell
Colin Campbell was a prolific Scottish-born character actor whose career in American cinema spanned over five decades, from the early silent era to the mid-1960s. Born in Falkirk, Scotland, in 1883, he spent thirteen years gaining extensive stage experience across the globe before emigrating to the United States to pursue a film career. He made his motion picture debut in 1915 with the comedy 'Tillie's Tomato Surprise' and quickly established himself as a reliable supporting player known for his diminutive stature and wizened features. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Campbell became a staple of Hollywood's character actor pool, often portraying clerks, servants, or eccentric professionals in major studio productions. His versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly from pre-Code dramas like 'The Road to Singapore' (1931) to prestigious literary adaptations such as 'Jane Eyre' (1943). In his later years, he found significant success as a voice actor for Walt Disney, most notably providing the voice for Mole in the 'Wind in the Willows' segment of 'The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad' (1949). He remained active in the industry until his death in 1966, leaving behind a legacy of over 50 film and television appearances.
The Craft
On Screen
Campbell was a quintessential character actor, often described as 'diminutive' and 'wizened.' He specialized in playing understated, often British or Scottish, supporting roles that required a sense of dignity, eccentricity, or quiet reliability. His stage background provided him with a disciplined approach to dialogue, which made him a favored choice for early talkies and voice-over work.
Milestones
- Film debut in the silent comedy 'Tillie's Tomato Surprise' (1915)
- Portrayed Steve Leslie in the Al Jolson musical 'Big Boy' (1930)
- Appeared in the pre-Code drama 'The Road to Singapore' (1931) with William Powell
- Played the role of Reginald in the 1935 Katharine Hepburn vehicle 'Sylvia Scarlett'
- Voiced the character of Mole in Disney's 'The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad' (1949)
- Appeared in the classic film 'Waterloo Bridge' (1940) alongside Vivien Leigh
- Final television appearances in 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized for his contributions to early Disney animation as a signature voice actor
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a reliable character actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood, Campbell represented the 'working class' of the film industry—actors who provided the essential texture and realism to the worlds created by major stars. His transition from silent films to talkies and eventually to television mirrors the evolution of the medium itself. His voice work for Disney has had a lasting impact, as his portrayal of Mole remains the definitive version of the character for many generations of animation fans.
Lasting Legacy
Campbell is remembered as one of the dependable character players who helped define the 'British' presence in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. His filmography serves as a chronicle of the studio system's peak, appearing in everything from low-budget B-movies to Academy Award-winning classics. He is particularly esteemed by animation historians for his contribution to the Disney 'package films' of the late 1940s.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the archetype of the 'elderly British clerk' or 'loyal servant' in Hollywood, a role that would be carried forward by later character actors like Arthur Malet.
Off Screen
Colin Campbell was part of a theatrical family; he was the uncle of the famous Hollywood director Sam Taylor. He maintained a relatively private life in California after moving from Scotland, focusing primarily on his steady work in the studio system.
Education
He received over a decade of formal and practical training in international stage productions before entering the film industry.
Did You Know?
- He was only 5' 4" tall, which often led to him being cast in roles that emphasized his small stature.
- He had 13 years of stage experience before ever appearing on camera.
- He is often confused with the silent film director Colin Campbell (1859–1928), though they were two different people.
- He provided the voice for Mole in Disney's 'The Wind in the Willows' segment, which was later released as a standalone short.
- He died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 83.
- He is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood.
- His career spanned the transition from silent film to black-and-white talkies, then to Technicolor and television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Colin Campbell?
Colin Campbell (1883–1966) was a Scottish-born character actor who appeared in over 50 films during Hollywood's Golden Age. He is best known for his supporting roles in major films and his voice work for Walt Disney.
What films is Colin Campbell best known for?
He is best known for 'The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad' (1949), 'Big Boy' (1930), 'The Road to Singapore' (1931), and 'Sylvia Scarlett' (1935).
When was Colin Campbell born and when did they die?
He was born on March 20, 1883, in Falkirk, Scotland, and died on March 25, 1966, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California.
What was Colin Campbell's acting style?
He was a versatile character actor known for playing eccentric, wizened, or dignified supporting characters, often utilizing his natural Scottish/British background.
Did Colin Campbell work for Disney?
Yes, he was a notable voice actor for Disney, most famously providing the voice of Mole in the 'Wind in the Willows' segment of 'The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad'.
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Films
1 film
