Lionel Atwill was born into a wealthy family and was educated at London's prestigious Mercer School to become an architect, but his interest turned to the stage. He worked his way progressively into the craft and debuted at age 20 at the Garrick Theatre in London. He acted and improved regularly thereafter, especially in the plays of 'Henrik Ibsen' .
Screen and stage actor.
Educated at Mercers School, London.
His third wife, the former Louise Brooks Cromwell of Philadelphia society, had formerly been married to Gen. Douglas MacArthur (his first wife).
Died before completing his work on Lost City of the Jungle . His remaining scenes were completed using a double.
Played the title role in the play "Napoleon," but it ran for only 12 performances in 1928. Atwill made headlines when he verbally abused the critics who had panned the show from the stage.
First son John Anthony Atwill, by first wife Phyllis Relph, was a WWII flying officer with the Royal Air Force killed in action in 1941. A second son, Lionel Anthony Guille Atwill, was born to him late in life (at age 60) by last wife, Mary Paula Pruter. Atwill died six months later.
His racy reputation for hosting "wild" parties at his home caught up with him and a sex scandal erupted. In 1943 he was sentenced to five years probation for perjury during a loosely connected rape trial. The Hays Office effectively blacklisted him from the top studios for his disgrace. The remainder of his career was spent doing a few plays in New York and low-budget "B" pictures and serials.
Acquired the nickname "Pinky" due to his reddish-tinged hair, which darkened over the years.
Great-grand-uncle of Gregg Atwill.
Has the distinction of being the only actor to appear in five of the eight Frankenstein films released by Universal from 1931-48. He appeared in Son of Frankenstein , The Ghost of Frankenstein , Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man , House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula .
Had bad luck with his homes. A $42.000 mansion burned to the ground in the California fires of October 1935, and a December 1936 coastal storm undermined two of his homes, which slid into the ocean along with $12,000 worth of antique furniture. The actors Maryland estate, which had served as a honeymoon retreat for the Duke of Windsor and Duchess of Windsor , was burglarized twice in August 1937.
In 1930 Atwill wed the former Mrs. Douglas MacArthur, a prominent socialite who was married to the famous general from 1922 to 29.
Fred Bickle, later to be known professionally as Fredric March , understudied Atwill in the early 20s.
Came to the U.S. in 1916. He was honored at a 1925 banquet where Bela Lugosi was also in attendance.
Profiled in "Character Actors in Horror and Science Fiction Films, 1930-1960" by Laurence Raw.
One side of my face is gentle and kind, incapable of anything but love,of my fellow man. The other side, the other profile, is cruel and,predatory and evil, incapable of anything but the lusts and dark,passions. It all depends on which side of my face is turned toward,you--or the camera. It all depends on which side faces the moon at the,ebb of the tide.
[in 1941) All women love the men they fear. All women kiss the hand that,rules them . . . I do not treat women in such soft fashion. Women are,cat creatures. Their preference is for a soft fireside cushion, for,delicate bowls of cream, for perfumed leisure and for a master--which,is where and how they belong. .
