Tom Santschi(1878-1931)
- Actor
- Director
- Additional Crew
American leading man and character actor of the silent period. Born in
Crystal City, Missouri(though a number of popular reference works list
Switzerland and Kokomo, Indiana). He is listed in the 1880 census as
living in Kokomo at the age of two years. This means his date of birth
must have been 1878. His father, Paul Santschi was born in Sigriswill,
Switzerland and came to the U.S. as a child. Tom Santschi promoted the
myth that he was born in Switzerland since it seemed much more exciting
than being born in Crystal City or Kokomo. After performing as an
amateur actor, he made his professional stage debut at age 19, and
worked for the next decade in the theatre. He landed a small role in a
film produced by Selig Polyscope, and over the next few years rose from
bit player to leading man. He directed and wrote a few of his films.
Following the First World War, he became more frequently seen in
supporting roles, often as villains. He worked consistently until his
death in 1931.
