Biography
Ernest Torrence (born Ernest Torrance-Thomson) was a Scottish character actor known for his imposing presence in silent films and early talkies. Born on 26 June 1878 in Edinburgh, he trained as a pianist and operatic baritone at the Stuttgart Conservatory, Edinburgh Academy and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He toured with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company before vocal problems ended that career. He and his brother, actor David Torrence, moved to the United States and worked on the New York stage; Torrence made his Broadway debut in 1912.
He entered films in 1921 with a notable role as the villain Luke Hatburn in Tol'able David. He appeared in The Covered Wagon (1923), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) as Clopin, Peter Pan (1924) as Captain Hook, The King of Kings (1927) as Peter and Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928) as Steamboat Bill Sr. He continued working in sound films until his death on 15 May 1933 in New York City, following surgery.
