Biography

Victor Kilian

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American character actor of gruff demeanor who played in dozens of films through the Thirties and Forties. A native of New Jersey, he was a wagon driver for his father's laundry business before joining a vaudeville company. He played in stock and touring companies, then was cast in the Walter Huston production of 'Desire Under the Elms' on Broadway. While working on the New York stage, he made a few appearances in films shot on Long Island. In 1935 he came to Hollywood and appeared with great frequency in supporting roles over the next decade and a half. In the early 1950s, he was blacklisted for his political beliefs during the Communist witch-hunts, and returned to the stage almost exclusively thereafter. In 1976, he gained perhaps his greatest fame, as the title character's libidinous grandfather on the Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976) TV series. But three years later, he was beaten to death by robbers burgling his apartment.
- IMDb mini biography by: Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>

Was killed a few days after Charles Wagenheim died under very similar circumstances (beaten to death by burglars in his apartment). The very last appearance of both actors was on the season nine episode of All in the Family, The Return of Stephanie's Father (1979), which aired a few days before their deaths.
Murdered by burglars at his Hollywood apartment.
While shooting the John Wayne film Reap the Wild Wind (1942), Kilian lost the use of his eye after an accident during a fighting scene.
Enjoyed a prolific career on Broadway, active from 1926-62 and appearing in 26 productions.
Although he was the star of the low budget science fiction adventure "Unknown World" (1951), because he was blacklisted (as a victim of the Communist witch hunts) his name did not appear in the credits of the released version.

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