Duke York


Duke York, was an American film actor and stuntman who appeared in nearly 160 films between 1932 and 1952. He was also known as Duke Owl.

Early years

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Sinsabaugh, York was born in Danby, New York.

Career

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.
In the 1930s, York worked as a combination lifeguard and bodyguard for actress Ida Lupino.

Personal life and death

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. York eventually admitted to Moench that he was wrong, and wanted to get back together, but she refused.
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.

Selected filmography

Brothers - Cafe Customer Island of Lost Souls - Beast Murders in the Zoo - Seaman I Love That Man - Label's Henchman Footlight Parade - Sailor on Table in 'Shanghai Lil' I'm No Angel - Sideshow Spectator Roman Scandals - Valerius' Soldier No More Women - Hawk Crew Member Upper World - Marine in Burlesque Theatre Sing and Like It - Mug in Pool Hall The Old Fashioned Way - Stagehand on Bar Set Elmer and Elsie - SmithThe Pursuit of Happiness - JonathanReady for Love - John Alden at Basket Social One Hour Late - Mixer Wings in the Dark - Reporter - Last Flight Car 99 - Cop Stolen Harmony - Duke Strangers All - Sig Ruman - Protester at Meeting / Courtroom Witness So Red the Rose - Soldier Two for Tonight - Cop in Cafe Redheads on Parade - Projectionist Here Comes Cookie - Milkman His Family Tree - Henchman with Frank It's a Great Life - Driver Coronado - Marine The Garden Murder Case - Traffic Cop Strike Me Pink - SmileyFlash Gordon - King Kala Ticket to Paradise - MilkmanRhythm on the Range - Police Officer Crash Donovan - Patrolman Sworn Enemy - Al - a Gangster The Three Mesquiteers - Chuck Libeled Lady - Cab Driver Love on the Run - Paul - Baron's Chauffeur Mind Your Own Business - Cruger's HenchmanDangerous Number - Policeman They Gave Him a Gun - Sourpuss Soldier Dangerous Holiday - Gollenger's Chauffeur Midnight Madonna - SOS Coast Guard - Sea Heavy #1 Partners in Crime - Cab Driver Man-Proof - Referee A Slight Case of Murder - ChampReckless Living - Poker Player Wide Open Faces - Joe, a Gangster The Fighting Devil Dogs - Sam The Marines Are Here - Native Professor Beware - Handshaker - Paint-Brush Gag Sing You Sinners - Cab Driver Dick Tracy Returns - Jack The Spider's Web - Henchman Gang Bullets - Collins Topper Takes a Trip - Second Bailiff Navy Secrets - Babe - HenchmanYou Can't Cheat an Honest Man - Minor Role Street of Missing Men - Butch - One of Darwin's Henchmen Union Pacific - Railwayman Those High Grey Walls - Guard Destry Rides Again - Townsman Mercy Plane - JoeTerry and the Pirates - Leopard Man Nutty But Nice - Butch - Kidnapper When the Daltons Rode - Townsman How High Is Up? - Workman