Duke York | |
|---|---|
 Duke York, mid-1940s | |
| Born | Charles Everest Sinsabaugh October 17, 1908 Danby, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 24, 1952 (aged 43) Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Duke Owl |
| Years active | 1932–1952 |
| Spouse |
Frances Miles
(m. 1930; div. 1941) |
| Partner | Catherine Moench[1] |
Duke York (né Charles Everest Sinsabaugh; October 17, 1908 – January 24, 1952), was an American film actor and stuntman who appeared in nearly 160 films between 1932 and 1952. He was also known as Duke Owl.[2]
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Sinsabaugh,[3] York was born in Danby, New York.
Modern viewers will remember York for his portrayals of grotesque monsters, ape men, or other scary goon-like characters in Three Stooges short films such as Three Little Twirps, Idle Roomers, Three Pests in a Mess, Shivering Sherlocks, and Who Done It? His most prominent non-monster role was as Kelly in Higher Than a Kite. York also played the role of King Kala in the serial Flash Gordon.[1]
In the 1930s, York worked as a combination lifeguard and bodyguard for actress Ida Lupino.[4]
In the 1930s, York married movie stuntwoman Frances Miles, but the union ended in divorce in 1941. Several years later, York was dating Beverly Hills brunette Catherine Moench. They planned to marry, but she called it off, saying that he was "quite jealous and had misunderstood various actions" of hers in the past.[1] York eventually admitted to Moench that he was wrong, and wanted to get back together, but she refused.[1]
On January 24, 1952, during a three-hour phone call to Moench, York threatened suicide several times stating he could not live without her. He then shot himself in the head while on the phone with Moench. His body was discovered by friend and fellow actor George Cleveland.[5]
