American movie stars died in 1956
Here are 45 famous actors from United States of America died in 1956:
John Emerson
John Emerson (May 29, 1874 Sandusky-March 7, 1956 Pasadena) otherwise known as Clifton Paden was an American film producer, playwright, actor, film director, screenwriter and writer.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as a playwright and actor, working in vaudeville and on Broadway. In 1914, he ventured into the film industry and joined the pioneering production company, The Essanay Studios.
Emerson made his directorial debut with the 1915 film "Vultures of Society". He went on to direct over 50 films including "By Right of Purchase" (1918), "A Man of Quality" (1919), and "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921) which is now considered a classic of the silent era.
In addition to directing, Emerson also produced and co-wrote many of his films. He worked with some of the biggest stars of his time including Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, and Wallace Reid.
Emerson married Anita Loos, a successful screenwriter, in 1919 and they worked on several films together, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1928) which was later adapted into a successful Broadway musical.
Emerson continued to work in the film industry throughout the 1920s and 1930s before retiring in the 1940s. He passed away in 1956 at the age of 81 in Pasadena, California.
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Lloyd Ingraham
Lloyd Ingraham (November 30, 1874 Rochelle-April 4, 1956 Los Angeles) also known as Frank L. Inghram, Frank L. Ingraham, Lloyd Ingram or Lloyd Chauncey Ingraham was an American film director, actor and screenwriter. He had one child, Lois Ingraham.
Ingraham began his career in the film industry in 1912, initially as an actor, but later transitioned to directing and screenwriting. He worked closely with legendary film director D.W. Griffith, and directed several films for Griffith's production company. Ingraham's early directorial efforts often focused on westerns and dramas, and he became known for his attention to detail and skillful handling of complex narratives.
In addition to his work with Griffith, Ingraham directed and wrote for several other studios throughout his career, including Universal, Warner Bros., and Columbia Pictures. He also acted in over 150 films during his career, often appearing in small character roles.
In the 1930s, Ingraham's career began to slow down due to health issues, and he eventually retired from the film industry in the early 1940s. He passed away in 1956 at the age of 81 in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy as one of the influential early voices in American film.
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Mikhail Rasumny
Mikhail Rasumny (May 13, 1890 Odessa-February 17, 1956 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Mikhail Rasumni, Mikhail Razumnyy, Michael Rasumny or Михаїл Разумний was an American actor.
He was born in Odessa, Ukraine in 1890 and began his acting career in Russian theater. He later immigrated to the United States in the 1920s and became a successful comedic character actor in Hollywood films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Rasumny was known for his distinctive appearance, often playing eccentric or foreign characters with thick accents. Some of his notable film credits include "Ninotchka" (1939), "To Be or Not to Be" (1942), and "Anchors Aweigh" (1945). Rasumny passed away in 1956 at the age of 65 in Woodland Hills, California.
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Ray Myers
Ray Myers (June 21, 1889 Hot Springs-November 4, 1956 Los Angeles) was an American film director and actor.
He began his career in the film industry as an actor in the early 1910s, working for studios such as Essanay and Lubin. Myers later transitioned into directing, and throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he directed silent films and talkies for various studios including Warner Bros., Columbia, and Universal.
One of Myers' notable directorial achievements was the film "The Phantom of the Opera" (1925), which starred Lon Chaney and is considered a classic in the horror genre. He also directed westerns such as "Hell's Hinges" (1916) and "The Last Frontier" (1926), and comedies like "The Campus Flirt" (1926).
Myers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the film industry. He passed away due to a heart attack in 1956 at the age of 67 in Los Angeles, California.
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Bob Burns
Bob Burns (August 2, 1890 Greenwood-February 2, 1956 Encino) also known as Robin Burn, Bazooka Burns, Robert Burns, The Arkansas Philosopher, The Arkansas Traveler or Bob 'Bazooka' Burns was an American comedian and actor. He had four children, William Robin Burns, Barbara Ann Burns, Stephen Burns and Robert Burns Jr..
Bob Burns gained popularity for his hillbilly-style vaudeville performances, which involved playing homemade instruments, including his famous "Bazooka" - a makeshift musical instrument made from two gas pipes. He started his career in entertainment as a singer and harmonica player in a medicine show before achieving success in radio, film, and television.
Burns appeared in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "College Humor" and "Waikiki Wedding." He was also a regular guest star on popular radio variety shows, such as "The Chase and Sanborn Hour" and "The Rudy Vallee Show."
Despite his success and popularity, Burns was known for his down-to-earth personality and kindness. He was actively involved in various charities and often visited hospitalized children to entertain them with his music.
In addition to his entertainment career, Burns also had a keen interest in science and astronomy, and he built his own observatory in California. He also designed and patented an early version of the car alarm.
Bob Burns's legacy in entertainment and music continues to influence modern artists, and his Bazooka instrument has since become an iconic staple in popular music.
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Clay Clement
Clay Clement (May 19, 1888 Greentree-October 20, 1956 Watertown) otherwise known as Clay Clement Jr. or Claudius Geiger was an American actor. He had one child, John Marshall Clement Sr..
Clement began his acting career in vaudeville and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He often played character roles and appeared in several notable films including "The Little Colonel," "San Francisco," and "Gone with the Wind." Clement was also a prolific voice actor and provided his voice for several animated films including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Dumbo." Outside of acting, Clement was a skilled ice skater and wrote several scripts for ice shows. He passed away in 1956 at the age of 68.
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Holmes Herbert
Holmes Herbert (July 30, 1882 Mansfield-December 26, 1956 Hollywood) also known as Holmes Edward Herbert, Horace Edward Jenner, Horace Jenner, Holmes E. Herbert, H.E. Herbert or Edward Sanger was an American actor. He had one child, Joan Herbert.
Herbert began his acting career in 1915 with a role in the film "The Adventure of the Hasty Elopement". He went on to appear in over 200 films throughout his career, including prominent roles in "The Invisible Man" (1933), "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931), and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923).
In addition to his film work, Herbert was a successful stage actor, known for his performances in productions such as "The Ghost Train" and "The Cat and the Canary". He also appeared on television in the early 1950s, with roles on shows such as "Adventures of Superman" and "The Lone Ranger".
Herbert was known for his versatile acting skills and often played a wide range of characters, from villainous roles to comedic ones. He was highly regarded by his peers in the industry, and his contributions to film and theatre are still celebrated today.
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Frank H. Wilson
Frank H. Wilson (May 4, 1886 New York City-February 16, 1956 Queens) also known as Frank Henry Wilson or Frank Wilson was an American actor.
Wilson began his acting career on Broadway in 1905, debuting in the play "The Blue Moon." He went on to have a successful career in theatre, appearing in productions such as "The Hottentot" and "In Love With Love." Wilson made his transition to film in 1916, appearing in the silent film "The Vamp." One of his most notable roles in film was in the 1931 film "The Public Enemy" where he played the role of McKay, a member of the Irish gang. He appeared in over 100 films during his career, often playing supporting roles. Wilson was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on the board of directors for many years. He passed away at the age of 69 due to complications from diabetes.
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Bela Lugosi
Bela Lugosi (October 20, 1882 Lugoj-August 16, 1956 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó, Arisztid Olt, Be'la Ferenc Dezso Blasko, Adelbert, Dracula, Olt Arisztid, Mr. Blasko or Béla Lugosi was an American actor. His child is called Bela G. Lugosi.
Lugosi was originally from Hungary and started his acting career on stage in his home country. He gained fame for his portrayal of Count Dracula in a Broadway production of Bram Stoker's novel. He later reprised the role in the 1931 film adaptation and became forever associated with the character.
Despite his success as Dracula, Lugosi struggled to find work in Hollywood due to typecasting and his thick accent. He continued to act in horror films throughout his career, but also took on other roles in an effort to show his versatility.
Lugosi had a well-documented addiction to morphine and became increasingly isolated in his later years. He died in 1956 from a heart attack and was buried wearing one of his Dracula capes.
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Jean Hersholt
Jean Hersholt (July 12, 1886 Copenhagen-June 2, 1956 Hollywood) also known as Jean Pierre Hersholt or Jean Buron Hersholt was an American actor and film director. He had two children, Allan Hersholt and Jean Hersholt Jr..
Hersholt began his career in Danish silent films before immigrating to the United States in the early 1900s. He appeared in numerous Hollywood films, including the critically acclaimed drama film "The Wind" in 1928 and the musical comedy "Meet Me in St. Louis" in 1944. In addition to his acting work, Hersholt was also active in philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. He served as president of the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to struggling actors, and was instrumental in establishing the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is presented annually at the Academy Awards ceremony to recognize individual members of the film industry who have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes.
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Louis Calhern
Louis Calhern (February 19, 1895 Brooklyn-May 12, 1956 Nara) otherwise known as Carl Henry Vogt, Louis Calhearn, Carl Vogt or Lou was an American actor.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1895, Louis Calhern began his acting career on Broadway in 1921. He made his film debut in 1926 in the silent film "On Ze Boulevard" and went on to appear in over 100 films throughout his career. Calhern is perhaps best known for his roles in classic films such as "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950), "High Society" (1956), and as Julius Caesar in the 1953 film adaptation of Shakespeare's play. He was also a respected stage actor and appeared in numerous productions throughout his lifetime. Calhern was married twice and had two children. He passed away in Nara, Japan while on vacation at the age of 61.
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Jack Little
Jack Little (May 30, 1899 London-April 9, 1956) also known as Little, Little Jack, John Leonard or Little Jack Little was an American songwriter, singer, actor and conductor.
He was born in London, England, but his family immigrated to the United States when he was just a child. Little became famous during the 1920s and 1930s for creating catchy and memorable tunes, such as "The Wedding of Jack and Jill" and "Jeepers Creepers," which became a jazz standard.
In addition to his career as a songwriter and performer, Little also acted in movies such as "The Great American Broadcast" and "The Hit Parade of 1941." He was also a conductor for various orchestras, including the NBC Symphony Orchestra.
Despite his success, Little struggled with alcoholism and his career declined in the 1940s. He died in 1956 from complications related to cirrhosis of the liver.
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Charley Grapewin
Charley Grapewin (December 20, 1869 Xenia-February 2, 1956 Corona) a.k.a. Charles Ellsworth Grapewin, Charley Ellsworth Grapewin or Charles Grapewin was an American actor, aerialist and screenwriter.
Grapewin appeared in dozens of films, including several silent films, and is perhaps best known for his role as Uncle Henry in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz". He began his career in vaudeville as an aerialist before transitioning to acting, and also worked as a screenwriter in the early days of cinema. In addition to his film work, Grapewin also acted on stage and in radio dramas. He continued to act in films throughout the 1940s, with his final role coming in the 1952 film "Hans Christian Andersen". In addition to his entertainment career, Grapewin was an avid collector of antiques and artifacts, and his extensive collection was later donated to a museum.
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Edward Arnold
Edward Arnold (February 18, 1890 Lower East Side-April 26, 1956 Encino) a.k.a. Gunther Edward Arnold Schneider, Gunther Schneider or Ed Arnold was an American actor and author. He had three children, Edward Arnold Jr., Jane Arnold and Elizabeth Arnold.
Throughout his career, Edward Arnold appeared in over 150 films, often portraying authoritative figures such as businessmen, politicians, and judges. Some of his most notable film appearances include "You Can't Take It with You" (1938), "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939), and "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (1941). He also had a successful stage career, performing in both Broadway productions and regional theater.
In addition to his acting career, Arnold was an accomplished author, publishing two books: his memoir "Lively Limericks and Lore" and a cookbook titled "Eating in Two or Three Languages". Arnold was also actively involved in politics and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild.
At the time of his death in 1956 at the age of 66, Edward Arnold was remembered as a talented actor and respected member of the entertainment industry.
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Eddie Acuff
Eddie Acuff (June 3, 1903 Caruthersville-December 17, 1956 Hollywood) also known as Edward Acuff or Edward DeKalb Acuff was an American actor.
He appeared in over 400 films during his career, often playing small roles or minor characters. Acuff's career in Hollywood spanned over three decades and he was known for his comedic and character acting. Some of his more notable film roles include "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Sullivan's Travels," and "The Petrified Forest." Acuff was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to various animated films and television shows, including the role of Cookie in the animated series "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers." In addition to his acting career, Acuff was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
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Theodore Kosloff
Theodore Kosloff (January 22, 1882 Moscow-November 22, 1956 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Theodor Kosloff or Fyodor Mikhailovich Koslov was an American actor.
He was also a ballet dancer, choreographer, and silent film actor. Kosloff was a member of the Ballets Russes during their 1910 tour of the United States, and later became the chief choreographer for the Grand Opera of Monte Carlo. In Hollywood, he appeared in over 80 films, including "The Sheik" (1921) and "The Eagle" (1925), often playing exotic or villainous characters. After retiring from acting, Kosloff worked as a dance instructor until his death in 1956.
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Norman Kerry
Norman Kerry (June 16, 1894 Rochester-January 12, 1956 Los Angeles) also known as Arnold Kaiser or Norman Kaiser was an American actor.
He began his career in Hollywood during the silent film era and appeared in several films including "The Phantom of the Opera" (1925) starring Lon Chaney and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923) starring Lon Chaney and Patsy Ruth Miller. Kerry also appeared in a number of films with actress Mary Pickford including "Sparrows" (1926) and "Little Annie Rooney" (1925).
Kerry's acting career continued to thrive after the transition to talkies and he appeared in supporting roles in films such as "The Jazz Singer" (1927) starring Al Jolson and "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1930) directed by Lewis Milestone.
Outside of acting, Kerry was also a writer and director. He wrote the screenplay for "The Lady from Nowhere" (1926) and directed the film "The Gauntlet" (1935).
Kerry was married to actress Doris Dawson from 1920 until his death in 1956. During his lifetime, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry.
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Harry von Meter
Harry von Meter (March 20, 1871 Malta Bend-June 2, 1956 Sawtelle) a.k.a. Harry Von Meter, Harry Van Meteer, Harry V. Meter or Harry van Meter was an American actor.
He appeared in over 400 films between 1912 and 1947, often playing villainous characters in silent films. Von Meter was also known for his voice and recorded many songs and vocal performances throughout his career, including "My Darling" and "In Old Madrid." He later transitioned to character roles in talking pictures, and even worked as a voice actor in animated films. In addition to his work in film, von Meter was a well-respected stage actor and director, and continued to work in theater throughout his career.
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B. Reeves Eason
B. Reeves Eason (October 2, 1886 New York City-June 9, 1956 Sherman Oaks) a.k.a. Breezy, William Reaves Eason, Breezy Eason, Reeves Easton, Reeves Eason, Reaves Eason, B. Reaves Eason, Breezy Easton, 'Breezy' Reeves Eason, B. Reaves 'Breezy' Eason, William Eason, Eason B. Reaves, "Breezy" Reeves Eason or William Reeves Eason was an American film director, actor and screenwriter. His child is called B. Reeves Eason, Jr..
Eason was a prolific director, directing over 300 films in various genres including westerns, serials, and action-adventure films. He began his film career as an actor in 1913, but quickly transitioned to directing in 1914. Eason was known for his innovative and daring stunt work which earned him the nickname "King of the Serials." He worked for various studios throughout his career, including Universal, Columbia, and Republic Pictures. Some of his most notable films include the serials "The Miracle Rider" and "The Lone Ranger" as well as the western "Riders of Destiny" starring John Wayne. Eason passed away in 1956 at the age of 69.
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Harry Clark
Harry Clark (November 27, 2014 United States of America-February 28, 1956) was an American actor.
He appeared in over 75 films between 1915 and 1955. Clark began his acting career in silent films and continued to work in Hollywood throughout the transition to talkies. He often played small roles as a character actor in westerns, crime dramas, and comedies. Despite the large number of films he appeared in, Clark was never a major star, but he was a respected and dependable performer with a career that spanned over four decades.
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Stanley Blystone
Stanley Blystone (August 1, 1894 Eau Claire-July 16, 1956 Hollywood) also known as William Stanley Blystone, Stan Blystone, William S. Blystone, William Blystone or William Stanley was an American actor.
He appeared in over 500 films between 1924 and 1956, mostly in supporting roles. Blystone often played tough and burly characters such as police officers, thugs, and henchmen. He was known for his distinctive square jaw and gruff voice. Blystone worked frequently with comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, appearing in 40 of their films. He also played supporting roles in films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "The Great Dictator". Blystone passed away at the age of 61 due to a heart attack.
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Richard Stanton
Richard Stanton (October 8, 1876 Iowa-May 22, 1956 Los Angeles) was an American film director and actor.
Stanton began his career as an actor in silent films with the Essanay Studios in 1907. He then transitioned to directing, working on over 200 films in his career. He was known for his work on Westerns and wrote and directed several films in that genre. Stanton was also a pioneer of sound films, directing some of the first "talkies" in Hollywood. Despite his prolific career, many of his films have been lost or are considered "lost treasures" due to decay or destruction. Stanton died in 1956 in Los Angeles at the age of 79.
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Jack Curtis
Jack Curtis (May 28, 1880 San Francisco-March 16, 1956 Hollywood) a.k.a. Jonathan Curtis, John Archer Curtis, Master Jack Curtis, J. Curtis or John Curtis was an American actor. His child is called Laura Ann Curtis.
Jack Curtis had a career spanning over three decades, appearing in more than 120 films from 1917 to 1949. He started his acting career in silent films and made a successful transition into talking pictures. Curtis primarily played supporting roles in a variety of genres including westerns, dramas, and comedies. He also worked as a screenwriter, producer, and director, contributing to several films in different capacities.
Curtis was married to Maude Turner Gordon, a prominent stage actress, from 1910 until her death in 1925. Together they had two daughters, one of whom was Laura Ann Curtis. After his wife's death, Curtis never remarried and largely retired from acting in the early 1940s. He lived the rest of his life in relative anonymity until his death in 1956 at the age of 75.
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Jim Corey
Jim Corey (October 19, 1883 Nebraska-January 10, 1956 Burbank) a.k.a. James Warren Corey, James Corey, Jim Correy, Jim Covey, Arthur Harrison Corey or James Warren "Jim" Corey was an American actor.
He appeared in over 300 films between 1914 and 1954, primarily in Westerns. Corey was known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters, from villainous bandits to comical sidekicks. He worked with many legendary actors and directors throughout his career, including John Ford, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry. In addition to his work in film, Corey was also a talented musician and played the violin, guitar, and mandolin. He was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in 1975.
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Charles Le Moyne
Charles Le Moyne (June 27, 1880 Marshall-September 13, 1956 Hollywood) otherwise known as Charles Jonathan Lemon, Charles J. LeMoyne, Chas. Le Moyne, Charles J. Le Moyne, Charles LeMoyne, Chas. LeMoyne or Carl Jonathan Lemon was an American actor.
Le Moyne began his career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1920s. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing supporting roles in both silent and sound films. Some of his notable film credits include "No, No, Nanette" (1930), "It Happened One Night" (1934) and "The Awful Truth" (1937). He also had recurring roles on radio shows such as "The Bob Hope Show" and "Fibber McGee and Molly". In addition to his acting career, Le Moyne was also a playwright and director, with several of his plays produced on Broadway.
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Chester Clute
Chester Clute (February 18, 1891 Orange-April 2, 1956 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Chester L. Clute, Chet, Chester Lamont Clute or Chester Cluet was an American actor.
He was born in Orange, New Jersey and started his career as a vaudeville performer before moving on to the film industry. Clute appeared in over 200 films in his career and worked alongside notable actors such as Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. He often played comedic roles but also had a talent for drama, earning critical acclaim for his performance in the 1945 film, "Mildred Pierce". Clute was a familiar face to audiences during the 1930s and 1940s and continued to act until his death in 1956 in Woodland Hills, California.
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Mitchell Lewis
Mitchell Lewis (June 26, 1880 Syracuse-August 24, 1956 Woodland Hills) also known as Mitchell J. Lewis was an American actor.
Lewis began his acting career in the theater before transitioning to film in the silent era. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing the role of a villain due to his tall and imposing stature. Some of his notable film roles include Prince John in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) and Monsieur Fouquet in "The Three Musketeers" (1935).
In addition to his acting work, Lewis was also a noted inventor and held several patents for automotive and aircraft parts. He was also an accomplished pilot and flew missions in World War I. In his later years, he retired from acting and focused on his business ventures. Lewis passed away in 1956 at the age of 76.
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Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan (July 6, 1883 New York City-June 11, 1956 New York City) also known as Raphael Kuhner Wuppermann or Raphael Wuppermann was an American actor. He had one child, Claudia Morgan.
Ralph Morgan was a prolific character actor who appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was known for his deep, commanding voice and his commanding presence on screen. Some of his notable film appearances include "Queen Christina" (1934) alongside Greta Garbo, "The Great Ziegfeld" (1936), and "Anchors Aweigh" (1945).
In addition to his successful acting career, Morgan was also a co-founder of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in 1933, which aimed to improve working conditions and wages for actors. He served as the organization's first president from 1933-1935.
Morgan's legacy in the entertainment industry has been recognized by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he was awarded in 1960, four years after his death.
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Francis L. Sullivan
Francis L. Sullivan (January 6, 1903 Wandsworth-November 19, 1956 New York City) also known as Francis Loftus Sullivan, Francis Sullivan, François Sully, Francis L.Sullivan or Francis Sullavan was an American actor.
He began his acting career on stage, appearing in various productions in London's West End and on Broadway. Some of his notable stage performances include the role of Mr. Justice Wainwright in Terence Rattigan's play "The Winslow Boy" and the role of Polonius in "Hamlet".
Sullivan also appeared in over 50 films throughout his career, often playing villainous characters. Some of his notable film roles include Mr. Bumble in "Oliver Twist", Lord Henry Wotton in "The Picture of Dorian Gray", and Cardinal Richelieu in "The Three Musketeers".
In addition to his work in theatre and film, Sullivan was also a prolific radio actor, having made numerous appearances in radio dramas and adaptations of literary works.
Sullivan's career was cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 53 while in New York City.
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Jed Prouty
Jed Prouty (April 6, 1879 Boston-May 10, 1956 New York City) was an American actor.
He started his acting career in vaudeville before transitioning to films. He appeared in over 70 films between 1914 and 1952, often playing comedic roles. Prouty was best known for his roles in the "Jones Family" film series, in which he played the patriarch of a large family. He was also a regular cast member on the radio show "The Aldrich Family" in the 1940s. In addition to acting, Prouty was also involved in real estate and owned several apartment buildings in California.
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Guy Kibbee
Guy Kibbee (March 6, 1882 El Paso-May 24, 1956 East Islip) also known as Guy Bridges Kibbee was an American actor.
He began his career as a vaudeville performer and made his way to Broadway before transitioning to film. Kibbee appeared in over 100 films during his career, often playing comedic side characters. Some of his most notable films include "42nd Street," "Captain January," and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." He was often typecast as a blustery, good-natured businessman or politician. Kibbee also had a successful career on radio, with regular roles on shows such as "The Fred Allen Show" and "The Eddie Cantor Show." He passed away in 1956 at the age of 74.
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Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly (August 9, 1899 Brooklyn-November 6, 1956 Beverly Hills) also known as Paul Kelley or Paul Michael Kelly was an American actor. His child is called Valerie Raymond.
Paul Kelly began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1920s. He appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, often playing tough-guy roles. In the 1950s, he turned to television and had a recurring role on the show "State Trooper".
Kelly's personal life was sometimes tumultuous. He was arrested and imprisoned for manslaughter in 1927 after accidentally shooting a man during a drunken argument. He was also briefly blacklisted in Hollywood during the Red Scare of the 1950s.
Despite these controversies, Kelly is remembered for his memorable performances in classic films such as "Crossfire" (1947) and "The High and the Mighty" (1954).
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Charles Dingle
Charles Dingle (December 28, 1887 Wabash-January 19, 1956 Worcester) was an American actor. His children are called John Dingle and Charles Dingle.
Charles Dingle was best known for his supporting roles in films during the 1940s, including the role of a Nazi spy in "The Little Foxes" (1941) and the ruthless businessman, Dexter Styles, in "The Glass Key" (1942). He also appeared in a number of Broadway productions throughout his career. Prior to becoming an actor, Dingle worked as a journalist and press agent. He was married twice, first to singer Josephine Antoine and later to actress Dorothy Appleby.
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Kewpie Morgan
Kewpie Morgan (February 1, 1892 Anna-September 24, 1956 Collin County) also known as Horace Allen Morgan, H.A. Kewpie Morgan, Horace Morgan, H.A. Morgan, Horace A. Morgan, Horace 'Kewpie' Morgan, Cupid Morgan or Kewpie was an American actor, comedian and electrician.
He was born in Anna, Texas and began his career as an electrician before transitioning to the entertainment industry. Kewpie Morgan was widely known for his comedic and entertaining performances in Vaudeville and on Broadway. He appeared in a number of films and TV series throughout his career, including "The Thin Man" and "The Little Rascals". In addition to his work in entertainment, Kewpie Morgan was also a skilled electrician and invented several patented electrical devices, including a switch design that was widely used during the 1930s and 1940s. He passed away in Collin County, Texas in 1956.
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Edwin Thanhouser
Edwin Thanhouser (November 11, 1865 Baltimore-March 21, 1956 New York City) was an American film producer, actor and businessperson.
He is best known for founding the Thanhouser Company, one of the most successful and innovative film studios of the silent era. Thanhouser produced over a thousand films between 1909 and 1917, and his studio was responsible for many early film industry firsts, including creating the first film serial, the first color film, and the first multi-film release.
As an actor, Thanhouser appeared in several of his own productions, often playing leading roles. He was also heavily involved in the business side of the film industry, serving as a founding member of the Motion Picture Patents Company, which was later dissolved by the federal government due to antitrust concerns.
After retiring from the film industry in 1918, Thanhouser became an author and wrote several books on various topics, including philosophy and photography. He was also a philanthropist, and donated money to various causes throughout his life. Edwin Thanhouser is remembered as a pioneering figure in the early days of American cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and film enthusiasts to this day.
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Lew Porter
Lew Porter (February 4, 1892 New York City-January 29, 1956 Los Angeles) also known as Porter, Lou Porter, Lange and Porter, Lewis John Porter or Lange & Porter was an American composer, actor, film score composer and songwriter.
He was well-known for his contributions to the music industry during the early 1900s, creating scores for popular films such as "The Good Earth" (1937) and "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935). Porter also had a successful career as a songwriter, writing hit songs such as "When You're Smiling" and "Baby Face". He had a close working relationship with fellow songwriter Harry Warren, and together they composed over 60 songs during the span of their careers. In addition to his musical work, Porter also appeared in several films as an actor, including "Flying Down to Rio" (1933) and "A Star is Born" (1937). Porter's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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Malcolm Lee Beggs
Malcolm Lee Beggs (November 27, 2014 East Orange-December 10, 1956 Chicago) also known as Malcolm Beggs was an American actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s in Chicago and went on to appear in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows throughout his career. Beggs was a respected character actor, often playing the role of the wise, older mentor or advisor in films and television shows. He is perhaps best known for his role as the judge in the classic film "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962). Besides acting, Beggs was also a respected director and producer in the Chicago theater scene. He founded the Malcolm Beggs Theater and acted as its creative director until his passing in 1956.
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Tim Ryan
Tim Ryan (July 5, 1899 Bayonne-October 22, 1956 Hollywood) also known as Timothy Thomas Ryan, Tim or Tim Ryan, Sr. was an American actor, screenwriter and writer. He had one child, Tim Ryan, Jr..
Ryan began his career in show business as a vaudeville performer, before making his way onto the big screen. He appeared in over 100 films, often playing the comedic sidekick or supporting roles. Some of his notable roles include "The Ghost Breakers" (1940) and "Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff" (1949). Ryan also worked as a screenwriter, contributing to several films including "Dakota" (1945) and "My Wild Irish Rose" (1947). Outside of acting, Ryan was a talented writer who wrote several published books, including the novel "The Tired Lovers" and the non-fiction book "The Catholics in Congress". He was also an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, serving as a board member during his career. Ryan passed away in 1956 in Hollywood, California at the age of 57.
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Tefft Johnson
Tefft Johnson (September 23, 1883 Washington, D.C.-October 15, 1956) a.k.a. William Tefft Johnson, Jr. or Mr. Johnson was an American film director and actor.
He began his career as an actor and appeared in several silent films. He later shifted his focus to directing and worked on over 80 films, primarily in the Western and action genres. Some of his most notable films include "The Lone Rider" series, "The Blazing Trail" and "The Boy from Oklahoma". Johnson was known for being a skilled horseman and often incorporated his riding abilities into his films. He was also an early proponent of using sound in film and was involved in the development of early sound recording technology. In addition to his work in film, Johnson was also a painter and his art was exhibited in various galleries throughout the United States.
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George Bancroft
George Bancroft (September 30, 1882 Philadelphia-October 2, 1956 Santa Monica) also known as Bancroft was an American actor. He had one child, Georgette Bancroft.
Bancroft's acting career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in over 80 films and television shows. He is best remembered for his roles in classic films such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Stagecoach". Bancroft began his career on stage, performing in several Broadway productions throughout the 1910s and 1920s. He transitioned to film in the 1920s and went on to become one of the most recognizable character actors of his time. In addition to his acting career, Bancroft was also an accomplished historian and wrote several books on American history, including a ten-volume series titled "History of the United States".
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Pierre Gendron
Pierre Gendron (March 4, 1896 Toledo-November 27, 1956 Hollywood) also known as Leon Pierre Gendron, Leon Guerre Gendron, Leon P. Gendron or Leon Gendron was an American actor and screenwriter.
He began his career in the early 1920s, appearing in several films as a supporting actor, often playing tough guys or gangsters. He also worked as a screenwriter, contributing to the scripts of several films throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
In the late 1930s, Gendron transitioned to television, and appeared in several popular shows of the era, including "The Lone Ranger" and "Hopalong Cassidy." He continued to work in television throughout the 1940s and into the 1950s, often in small roles or as a guest star.
Despite a successful career in Hollywood, Gendron struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism, and died of a heart attack at the age of 60. He is remembered as a versatile character actor and a talented writer, who contributed to the development of American film and television.
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Whitford Kane
Whitford Kane (January 30, 1881 Larne-December 17, 1956 New York City) also known as Thomas Wheeler Kane was an American actor and teacher.
Kane studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before making his professional stage debut in 1909. He performed on stage in both London and New York, appearing in numerous Broadway productions throughout his career. In addition to his work in the theater, Kane also appeared in several silent films during the 1910s and 1920s. He later became a respected drama teacher, teaching at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the University of Minnesota. Kane passed away in 1956 at the age of 75.
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Peter Robinson
Peter Robinson (April 16, 1879 Springfield-November 27, 2014) also known as Pete Robinson was an American actor.
During his career, which spanned over six decades, Robinson performed in over 300 films and TV shows, often playing character roles such as bartenders, bankers, and sheriffs. He began his career in silent films and then transitioned to talkies, appearing in popular films like "Gone with the Wind" and "High Noon". Robinson was also a talented musician and played the harmonica in several films. He was known for his impeccable timing and natural acting style, often drawing on his own life experiences to inform his performances. Robinson was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
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Victor Young
Victor Young (August 8, 1900 Chicago-November 10, 1956 Palm Springs) was an American composer, conductor, film score composer, violinist, music arranger and actor.
He began his career in the 1920s as a band leader and arranger before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s to work in the film industry. Young quickly became one of the most prolific composers in Hollywood, scoring over 300 films, including classics such as "Gone with the Wind," "Shane," and "Around the World in 80 Days," for which he won an Academy Award. He was known for his lush and romantic orchestral scores and was often called upon to score epic historical dramas. Young also composed popular songs, including "Stella by Starlight" which became a jazz standard. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
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White Parker
White Parker (November 27, 1887-November 27, 2014) was an American actor. His children are called Patty Bertha Parker, Cynthia Ann Joy Parker and Milton Quanah Parker.
White Parker was born in Oklahoma and began his career as an actor in the 1920s. He appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including "The Searchers" and "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," both directed by John Ford. He also appeared in television shows such as "Gunsmoke" and "Rawhide."
In addition to his acting career, Parker was also a prominent member of the Native American community. He was a member of the Comanche Nation and served as a delegate to the United Nations for the National Congress of American Indians. Parker was also a founding member of the Native American Rights Fund, an organization dedicated to protecting the legal rights of Native Americans.
Parker passed away on his 127th birthday, making him one of the oldest people ever recorded. He was survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as his legacy as a trailblazing actor and advocate for Native American rights.
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