Campbell began acting in "fit-ups" (local theatres) in Scotland and Wales, playing melodramatic roles.

In this setting he was discovered by Fred Karno, the English impresario who was impressed by Campbell's size and baritone voice and took him to London to act in the slapstick comedy style.

Campbell perfected his fiercely menacing eye make-up when performing in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado prior to entering the movie industry.

Still mourning, at a 12 September party given for Artcraft Studio publicity man Pete Schmid, Campbell met Pearl Gilman, a diminutive vaudeville comedian with a family reputation for gold-digging.

Just five days after they met, Campbell and Gilman Alisky-Arnreiter were married at the home of Elaine Hardy at 824 5th Street in Santa Monica.

He moved out of their Santa Monica bungalow and into the Los Angeles Athletic Club, taking a room next to his best friend Chaplin.

The 1996 documentary, Chaplin's Goliath: In Search of Scotland's Forgotten Star, written and directed by Kevin MacDonald, explored Campbell's life and work.