Morton Selten, a highly acclaimed and accomplished British stage and film actor, whose life was marked by a sense of intrigue and mystique, was born Morton Richard Stubbs on January 6, 1860, a date that would set the stage for a career that would captivate audiences for years to come.
Despite his subsequent success and fame, the circumstances surrounding his birth remained shrouded in mystery, with many speculating that his paternity was anything but conventional, with some even suggesting that his biological father was none other than the then Prince of Wales, a man who would later ascend to the throne as King Edward VII, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Selten's early life and family dynamics.
Selten's acting career commenced on stage in 1878, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious journey in the world of theatre, with the majority of his early performances taking place in America.
Throughout the next three decades, he would go on to make a name for himself in the theatrical world, appearing in an impressive array of over twenty-five Broadway productions, showcasing his remarkable range and versatility as a performer.
Among his most notable roles, he would bring to life the character of Clarence Vane in Mrs. Hargrove's Our Flat, a production that would take place at the esteemed Lyceum Theatre, and later, he would take on the iconic part of Captain Heartsease in Bronson Howard's epic masterpiece, Shenandoah, which would premiere in 1889, cementing his status as a leading man of the stage.
Noted actor and thespian, Selten, embarked on a remarkable journey in the realm of cinema during the 1920s, commencing with his debut role in the 1921 production, Branded. This marked the beginning of a prolonged and illustrious career in the film industry, during which he undertook a wide range of roles, showcasing his versatility and talent.
As the years progressed, Selten continued to hone his craft, taking on increasingly complex and challenging parts. His dedication and passion for his work led him to become a respected and beloved figure in the world of cinema. Despite his success, Selten's life was tragically cut short, as he passed away during the filming of the 1940 Alexander Korda production, The Thief of Bagdad, on July 27, 1939.
