- Served on a civilian committee during World War II and urged the USO to stage "Macbeth" at Fort Meade, Maryland. All were surprised when the soldiers requested "more of that Shakespeare stuff."
- The handsome, dashing matinee idol introduced two classic sleuths to the screen: The Lone Wolf and Boston Blackie.
- Was the radio host of "Stage Door Canteen" during World War II.
- Brother of actor Wilfred Lytell.
- Was leading man at San Francisco's Alcazar Theater, where he became a matinée idol. Regular members of that illustrious company included Marjorie Rambeau, Charlie Ruggles, Evelyn Vaughan, Edmund Lowe, James Gleason, and Walter Catlett.
- His career declined with the advent of sound pictures.
- Was President of the actors club 'The Lambs' from 1947-1952.
- Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Unwittingly made his stage debut at age 3 in 1887 during a production of "Lights of LBondon" in Halifax, Canada when he wandered from his actor parent's dressing room onto the stage during a live performance.
- Made his screen debut in 1917 in "The Lone Wolf" when John Barrymore withdrew to play "Raffles" for another studio. Lytell went on to make four sequels as Michael Lanyard in the coming years as well as other gentleman crooks, Boston Blackie and Jimmy Valentine.
- Made his sound debut with one of Warner's earliest all-talkie efforts, "On Trial" with Pauline Frederick.
- Served as Actors Equity president from 1943 through 1945.
- Lytell played dual roles in "The Right of Way," "Blind Man's Eyes," "The Face Between," "Brothers," and "Rupert of Hentzau.".
- Father: William H. Lytell (actor); Mother: Blanche Mortimer (actress).
- Popular silent-screen star.
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