Ernest Thayson Torrence-Thompson was a Scottish-born actor, pianist, and operatic baritone, standing at an impressive 6'4" with a commanding presence. Born on June 26, 1878, in Edinburgh, Scotland, he was an exceptional musician, having graduated from the Stuttgart Conservatory, Edinburgh Academy, and earning a scholarship at London's Royal Academy of Music. He toured with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, performing in productions such as "The Emerald Isle" and "The Talk of the Town" before vocal problems forced him to pivot towards a career in acting.
Alongside his actor brother David Torrence, Ernest emigrated to America prior to World War I, focusing on a career in acting on the New York stage. He made his Broadway debut in "Modest Suzanne" in 1912 and gained recognition with a standout role in "The Night Boat" in 1920, eventually catching the attention of Hollywood filmmakers.
Ernest's breakthrough role came as the despicable Luke Hatburn in "Tol'able David" (1921),opposite Richard Barthelmess, and he went on to settle into a successful film career, showcasing his versatility in both comedy and drama. He deftly avoided typecasting with his portrayal of a grizzled old codger in the classic western "The Covered Wagon" (1923) and further solidified his status as a leading character actor with roles in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923),"Peter Pan" (1924),"Mantrap" (1926),"The King of Kings" (1927),and "Steamboat Bill, Jr." (1928).
Despite his on-screen villainy, Ernest was known for his courtly and cultivated demeanor in private, earning him the respect of his peers. He successfully transitioned into talking films, playing a memorable nemesis, Dr. Moriarty, opposite Clive Brooks' Sherlock Holmes in 1932. Tragically, Ernest's life was cut short when he died on May 15, 1933, at the age of 54, following complications from surgery after an acute attack of gallstones.
