William Bennett Kilpack
| Bennett Kilpack | |
|---|---|
| Born |
William Bennett Kilpack February 6, 1883 Long Melford, Suffolk, United Kingdom |
| Died | August 17, 1962 (aged 79) Santa Monica, California |
| Cause of death | Cancer |
| Resting place | Pacific Crest Cemetery, Redondo Beach, California, United States |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1908–1950 |
| Notable work |
Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons (1314 episodes, 1937-1950) |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children |
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| Family |
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William Bennett Kilpack (February 6, 1883, Long Melford – August 17, 1962, Santa Monica) known simply as Bennett Kilpack, was an actor, director and playwright. He is best known for his performances in the title role of Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons (From 1937-1947 on NBC Radio's Blue Network, which became the ABC network in 1945, then from 1947-1955 on CBS Radio). The drama was one of radio's longest running shows (October 12, 1937 to April 19, 1955), continuing well into the television era.
Unable to find an engineering job in the United States, he became an actor. Kilpack's first acting job was as Michael Cassio in Othello.World War I interrupted Kilpack's early stage career; he became a member of the Royal Flying Corps and was stationed in Canada as salvage department head at a large flying field. In this capacity, he dismantled the plane in which Vernon Castle, the dancer, crashed.
He toured with Sir Philip Ben Greet's Shakespearean players, had several important parts in Broadway plays, and in 1927 was given the lead role in The Wayside Inn, an early radio serial. He subsequently played the part of Cephus in Way Back Home, which was presented on radio and as a film, with Phillips Lord as Seth Parker. As a radio serial it was also known as Sunday Night at Seth Parker's. Kilpack made his CBS debut in 1935 in Vanished Voices and subsequently played roles on CBS Radio in Hilltop House, Gang Busters, The Goldbergs, The Shadow and Grand Central Station.
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