Charles W. Dill (c. 1889 – February 19, 1939), known as King Zany, was an American poet, lyricist, and actor.
Zany was born around 1889 in Ohio.[1] He had a brother (Joseph) and a sister.[2]
Zany starred in several films throughout the 1920s, including Hollywood, Broadway or Bust and The City Gone Wild.[3] His acting career came to an end in the late 1920s, following back injuries sustained after horseriding.[2]
Zany was a popular poet within Southern Californian literary circles, speaking and reading his poems at various clubs throughout the state.[4] He portrayed himself as a "desert poet",[5] with his poetry collections being made from desert objects like Joshua tree wood.[6]
As well as writing poetry, Zany published various periodicals, starting with a monthly circular called The Vagabond Voice and then a monthly newsletter of poetry and philosophy called The Desert Breeze.[7] His poetry was featured on a 1936 KNX radio show by Jimmy McMasters.[8]
Zany's wife, Florence,[2] assisted in the physical creation of his poetry collections.[6] They lived in a "desert shack" at Pearblossom,[6] but later moved to a ranch in Ramona.[2] The couple had a son, Charles L. Dill.[2]
Zany died on February 19, 1939, in Ramona,[1] aged around 50.[2]
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