Charles King (character actor)

Charles King (October 21, 1886 – May 7, 1957) was an American actor best known for his extensive work in supporting roles, particularly in Western films. Often typecast as the villain, King portrayed a range of unsavory characters, from crooked sheriffs and ruthless land grabbers to cowardly outlaws.

Born in Hillsboro, Texas, King began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to film in the 1920s. He appeared in hundreds of movies, serials, and short films, particularly throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His prolific output made him a familiar face to moviegoers of the era.

While never achieving leading man status, King's distinctive features, gruff voice, and ability to convincingly portray menacing figures made him a sought-after character actor in the Western genre. He frequently appeared alongside notable Western stars such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Hopalong Cassidy.

King's contributions to the genre helped define the archetypal Western villain. His career spanned several decades, concluding in the late 1950s. He died in Hollywood, California, in 1957.