Otto Kruger facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Otto Kruger
Kruger in 1955
Born	(1885-09-06)September 6, 1885 Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
Died	September 6, 1974(1974-09-06) (aged 89) Woodland Hills, California, U.S.
Resting place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood Hills, California
Years active	1915–1964
Spouse(s)	Sue Kruger (née Susan MacManamy) ​ (m. 1920)​
Children	1

Otto Kruger (born September 6, 1885 – died September 6, 1974) was an American actor. He was very popular on Broadway stages early in his career. Later, he became well-known for playing charming villains in movies. You might remember him from films like Alfred Hitchcock's Saboteur. He also appeared in many TV shows, including Perry Mason. Otto Kruger was the grandnephew of Paul Kruger, a famous president of South Africa.

Early Life and Education

Otto Kruger was born in Toledo, Ohio, in the United States. His family had German roots. His parents were Bernard Alben Kruger and Elizabeth Winers Kruger. A fun fact is that he was the grandnephew of Paul Kruger, who was a very important leader and president of South Africa.

Otto first trained in music. However, he later decided to change his path. After studying engineering at the University of Michigan, he chose to become an actor instead.

Kruger's Acting Career

Otto Kruger started his acting journey on Broadway in 1915. He quickly became a "matinee idol," which means he was a very popular actor who attracted large audiences, especially for afternoon shows. While he started gaining notice in the early 1920s, his career really took off in the 1930s.

His first movie with sound was Turn Back the Clock in 1933. He also appeared in the film Chained in 1934.

Playing Villains and Businessmen

Even though he sometimes played the hero, Otto Kruger was mostly known for playing the main villain. He often played charming or dishonest businessmen. One of his most famous roles was in the movie Magnificent Obsession (1954).

He also played Judge Percy Mettrick in the classic Western film High Noon (1952). In this role, he tried to convince the main character, Will Kane, to leave town. Kruger is also remembered for playing the bad guy Tobin in Alfred Hitchcock's spy movie Saboteur (1942). Another notable role was as the mob boss Stevens in the crime film 711 Ocean Drive (1950).

Kruger in Dracula's Daughter (1936)

Television Appearances

Otto Kruger also had many roles on television. He played Dr. Mumford in an episode of The Man and the Challenge in 1959. He was also Ben Tully in the Western series The Rebel. In 1961, he appeared as Franklyn Malleson Ghent in the legal drama The Law and Mr. Jones. He also played Karl in an episode of The Investigators.

He made four guest appearances on the popular CBS show Perry Mason. In his first two appearances, he played Mason's client. In his last appearance, he played Judge Norris in 1964.

Personal Life and Later Years

On March 20, 1920, Otto Kruger married Susan "Sue" MacManamy, who was also a Broadway actress. They had one daughter named Ottilie Kruger (1926–2005). Ottilie also became an actress. She was the first wife of a well-known cinematographer named Gayne Rescher.

Otto Kruger passed away on his 89th birthday, September 6, 1974. He died at the Motion Picture and Television Country House in Woodland Hills, California.

Honors and Recognition

Otto Kruger received special recognition for his work in entertainment. He was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One star was for his contributions to television, and the other was for his work in films.

Television Roles