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, [San Diego County, California|Ramona]. The couple had a son, Charles L. Dill.
Zany died on February 19, 1939, in Ramona, aged around 50.

Works

Films