King Zany


Charles W. Dill, known as King Zany, was an American poet, lyricist, and actor.

Early life

Zany was born around 1889 in Ohio. He had a brother and a sister.

Film career

Zany starred in several films throughout the 1920s, including Hollywood, Broadway or Bust and The City Gone Wild. His acting career came to an end in the late 1920s, following back injuries sustained after horseriding.

Poetry career

Zany was a popular poet within Southern Californian literary circles, speaking and reading his poems at various clubs throughout the state. He portrayed himself as a "desert poet", with his poetry collections being made from desert objects like Joshua tree wood.
As well as writing poetry, Zany published various periodicals, starting with a monthly circular called The Vagabond Voice and then a monthly newsletter of poetry and philosophy called The Desert Breeze. His poetry was featured on a 1936 KNX radio show by Jimmy McMasters.

Personal life

Zany's wife, Florence, assisted in the physical creation of his poetry collections. They lived in a "desert shack" at Pearblossom, but later moved to a ranch in Ramona. The couple had a son, Charles L. Dill.
Zany died on February 19, 1939, in Ramona, aged around 50.

Works

Films

Hollywood as Horace PringleBroadway or Bust The City Gone Wild The Danger Rider

Poetry collections

Star brew from a lean-to Pity the Dreamless
  • ''Carols from Cactus Land''

Songs

  • "All She'd Say Was Umh-Hum"
  • "Coral Sea"
  • "Every Now and Then"
  • "I'm Laughing"