Charles Middleton
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Charles Middleton (October 3, 1874 - April 22, 1949) was an American actor, most notable for playing the villainous Ming the Merciless in the Flash Gordon film serials (1936-1940). He was also an antagonistic character in several comedy films starring Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy (Pack Up Your Troubles) and The Marx Brothers (Duck Soup).
Zappa mentioned Charles Middleton in the sleeve of Freak Out! (1966), under the heading: "These People Have Contributed Materially In Many Ways To Make Our Music What It Is. Please Do Not Hold It Against Them".
