Karl Dane

Black and white photograph of a man's head over black text on a white background

Karl Dane was a Danish-born comedic actor known for his performances during the American silent film era. His breakout film role was in The Big Parade (1926). The performance brought Dane to stardom almost overnight. Just a few years later, however, Dane's career ended when his thick accent prevented him from being cast in the new sound films. 

Dane was apparently never able to recover from his career's rapid end. While he worked various jobs around Hollywood including car mechanic, carpenter, and hot dog stand operator, Dane maintained a scrapbook commemorating his days of fame. The book was open on a table next to him when the actor shot himself at his Hollywood apartment in 1934.