Ivan Triesault

Ivan Triesault (born Johann Constantin Treisalt; 13 July [O.S. 1 July] 1898 – January 3, 1980) was an Estonian-American character actor and dancer, who appeared in some 130 film and television productions between 1943 and 1969.

Triesault was born Johann Treisalt (rendered in Estonian as Juhan Treisalt) in Tallinn, the son of Baltic German parents from the island of Hiiumaa. His father was a foreman in a furniture factory and his mother worked as an au pair for a wealthy family. Triesault's father died when he was five years old.

He made his first stage appearance at the German Theatre in Tallinn aged 12, before moving to the United States aged 18. He trained as a ballet dancer under famed choreographer Mikhail Fokine, and worked as his assistant for several years. Working for Russian-born Fokine, he adopted 'Ivan' as his given name (Ivan [Иван] is the Russian form of 'Johann').

Triesault worked as a dancer and mime at Radio City Music Hall. During the 1920s, he worked with a touring theatre company in Europe, and furthered his acting studies in London. After returning to New York, he acted in various Broadway productions.

He made his debut in 1943's Mission to Moscow, a pro-Soviet propaganda film by Warner Bros., playing Mikhail Tukhachevsky. His notable roles include appearances in Cry of the Werewolf (1944), The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944), A Song to Remember (1945), Notorious (1946), 5 Fingers (1952), Jet Pilot (1957), Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959), The 300 Spartans (1962), It Happened in Athens (1962), Von Ryan's Express (1965), Batman (1966) and the TV series The Wild Wild West.

According to film historian Pekka Linnainen, Triesault is "the most successful Estonian actor in Hollywood history," who is "still completely unknown even in his home country." However, "fans of classic American cinema know his face".

Triesault died in Los Angeles in 1980, aged 81, from cardiac failure.