Walter Scott Kolk, later known as Scott Colton, was a charismatic and talented individual, born into a privileged family in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended McDonough Academy, where he received a well-rounded education. After his father's passing, the family relocated to a farm in Portland, Maine, where he continued his studies at Thornton Academy.
Kolk's early career began with singing in orchestras, and he eventually made his Broadway debut in the musical "Take the Air" in 1927. During his time in Venice, Italy, he met Marion Davies, a prominent actress, and she cast him in the silent and talking versions of her film "Marianne" in 1929.
Universal Studios recognized Kolk's potential and signed him to a contract. He appeared in several notable films, including "Hold Your Man" (1929),opposite Laura La Plante, and "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1930),a classic anti-war drama. He also starred alongside William Powell in "For the Defense" (1930).
After a brief hiatus, Kolk returned to the East Coast and resumed his career on Broadway, appearing in productions such as "Brief Moment," "Personal Appearance," and "Baby Pompadour." Universal later starred him in the serial cliffhanger "Secret Agent X-9" (1937) and the film "The Wildcatter" (1937),during which he adopted the stage name Scott Colton, which he kept for the remainder of his career.
Dropped by Universal, Kolk was later picked up by Columbia Pictures, where he appeared in a series of minor "B" films, including "Murder in Greenwich Village" (1937),"All American Sweetheart" (1937),"Little Miss Roughneck" (1938),"Women in Prison" (1938),and "Extortion" (1938). He made an unbilled appearance in "I Am the Law" (1938) before eventually abandoning his Hollywood career.
In the following years, Kolk worked as a radio announcer and even became a ranger. He also continued to appear in Broadway and stock productions, including "I Must Love Someone" and "Watch on the Rhine." In his personal life, Kolk was married three times and passed away at the age of 88. He was interred at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton, Maine.
