From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Basil Ruysdael (July 24, 1888 - October 10, 1960) was an American film actor and opera singer. Description above from the Wikipedia article Basil Ruysdael, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia. He started his career as a baritone singer for the Metropolitan Opera Company in the early 1900's and appeared on the New York stage in 1918. Moving to California in 1923, he was a voice teacher for many actors. Encouraged to try acting ...