Stuart Gage Lancaster (November 30, 1920 – December 22, 2000) was a notable American actor celebrated for his performances in the provocative films of director Russ Meyer. Hailing from Evanston, Illinois, Lancaster was born into a family with a circus background; his grandfather was Charles Ringling, the famous circus owner. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the United States Navy, showcasing bravery and skill.
In 1962, Lancaster relocated to Los Angeles, where he began making a name for himself in the film industry. He became a familiar face in several of Meyer’s cult classics, such as Mudhoney, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, Good Morning... and Goodbye!, Supervixens, and Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens. His versatility allowed him to land a recurring role on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless, as well as a memorable part in Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Professionally, he was sometimes credited under variations of his name, including Stewart Lancaster or Stud Lancaster.
Beyond acting, Lancaster pursued his passion for the theater by founding and directing the Palm Tree Playhouse in Sarasota, Florida. He passed away in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy enriched by his wife, Ivy Bethune, and stepdaughter, Zina Bethune, both of whom are also accomplished actresses.
