Martin Balsam
(1919 - 1996)| We begin Page 6 with three very familiar, outstanding character actors who were 'on the cusp of stardom.' Martin Balsam was pure New Yorker; stocky, with dark, intense, coarse featured face, balding h ...Click on photo to read biography |
Karl Malden
(1912 - 2009)| One of America's most beloved character actors, the affable, amiable Karl Malden starred on stage, films and television and was highly successful in all media. An average looking man with a receding h ...Click on photo to read biography |
E.G. Marshall
(1914 - 1998)| Impeccable, articulate, intense, authoritative, avuncular, erudite all words that characterize E. G. Marshall and many of the characters he portrayed. He was of medium build, somewhat stocky and bald ...Click on photo to read biography |
Charles Halton
(1876 - 1959)| Another of my "recent" discoveries, Mr. Halton was a face I'd seen numerous times yet never knew his name. He appeared in over 150 films most often as a sniveling, weasely character but always serious ...Click on photo to read biography |
Allyn Joslyn
(1901 - 1981)| I have often confused the following three actors named Alan, spelling varies, for each other and a few other actors. Allyn Joslyn was a very familiar face in movies of the 1930s and 40s mostly. With a ...Click on photo to read biography |
Allen Jenkins
(1900 - 1974)| He was a real "mug", playing dimwitted gangsters, henchmen, crooks of all types and other Runyonesque characters. Tall and lanky, he had a most memorable, rubbery face with droopy, baggy eyes, a jutti ...Click on photo to read biography |
Alan Mowbray
(1896 - 1969)| The three Alans couldn't be more unlike in demeanor, personality and character type. Alan Mowbray was of the stiff-upper-lip school of British actors. He was tall, of rigid posture, well groomed with ...Click on photo to read biography |
Wallace Shawn
(1943 - )| One of the finest and funniest character actors working today is Wallace Shawn. His face is very familiar but his voice is even more so. Short, of medium build, bald with a curly fringe and a kewpie d ...Click on photo to read biography |
Charlotte Rae
(1926 - )| Certainly one of the funniest female character actors is the inimitable Ms. Rae. To me she will always be remembered as Sylvia Schnauser on the hilarious Nat Hiken comedy TV series "Car 54, Where Are ...Click on photo to read biography |
Robert Ellenstein
(1923 - )| Robert Ellenstein made an excellent and very menacing villain in films. His unforgettable role as a henchman, along with Adam Williams, in Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" illustrated that fact. Yet h ...Click on photo to read biography |
Leo McKern
(1920 - 2002)| One of my favorite British actors is the very talented Leo McKern. Like many of his contemporaries, he adds a touch of class to the movies, plays and television series in which he appears. At one time ...Click on photo to read biography |
David Warner
(1941 - )| This superb actor has become one of the vilest, most despicable villains in the history of film. Although he has played a variety of decent folk, his villainy clearly stands out. A tall, gawky, hawk-l ...Click on photo to read biography |
Gerald Mohr
(1914 - 1968)| Gerald Mohr was one of those actors "on the cusp" between lead and character parts. He was best known as the voice of Philip Marlowe on radio but on film he was, in actuality, much more versatile. Lea ...Click on photo to read biography |
Patrick Magee
(1924 - 1982)| Bizarre, eccentric, offbeat, erratic, quirky, all terms to describe the type of characters created by the magnificent Patrick Magee. He was most often seen in epics or costume dramas as I call them. U ...Click on photo to read biography |
Geoffrey Holder
(1930 - )| If ever there were a character actor with grace and style it was the wonderful Geoffrey Holder. Although his appearances are rare and limited, anyone who has ever seen or heard him will remember him. ...Click on photo to read biography |
Roland Young
(1887 - 1953)| Another pair of actors I always confuse are the two Rolands: Young and Winters. Both are easily recognizable; one with his makeup, the other without. Although I was first familiarized with the charact ...Click on photo to read biography |
Roland Winters
(1904 - 1989)| Although there were major differences in the two Rolands: age, nationality, type of roles, etc., there were some similarities. For one, they looked quite alike. Roland Winters was of medium height, sl ...Click on photo to read biography |
Ian Holm
(1931 - )| He is the Edward G. Robinson of the late 20th century. Often a villain, he has worked in epic films and costume dramas and is quite prolific in films. Of medium build usually with close-cropped dark h ...Click on photo to read biography |
Lee Patrick
(1901 - 1982)| Although she is best remembered for her role as ditsy Henrietta Topper in the Topper television series, she was versatile enough for light roles and heavy drama and most often played tough dames. A sm ...Click on photo to read biography |
Conchata Ferrell
(1943 - )| This wonderful, gifted actress has created many memorable roles yet she is virtually unknown, save for film critics who often praise her work. Shown in the left photo above much younger and somewhat l ...Click on photo to read biography |
Tim O'Connor
(1927 - )| His was a very familiar face on television back in the 1960s and 70s. His best remembered role was as Elliot Carson on "Peyton Place" but he guested on numerous series of that era. He was tall, slim a ...Click on photo to read biography |
Peter.Mark Richman
(1927 - )| He was another of the TV character actors of the 1960s & 70s who appeared on almost every show of that period. Later known as Mark Richman he was a tall, dark, well built ma ...Click on photo to read biography |
Jon Lormer
(1906 - 1986)| A veteran character actor, he was most often cast as judges, doctors, clergymen and military officers. Pictured out of character in the photo above, imagine a stern, almost sour look on his face and t ...Click on photo to read biography |
John Vernon
(1932 - 2005)| He had such a look of intensity built in to his face that he was destined to portray disciplinarians, authority figures and bad guys. A tall, very stocky man with a craggy face marked by piercing stee ...Click on photo to read biography |
Ed Nelson
(1928 - )| Ed Nelson was primarily a TV actor although he got his start in films working with director Roger Corman. He was best known for his role on the TV series "Peyton Place." Tall, lean and handsome with a ...Click on photo to read biography |
James Gammon
(1940 - 2010)| One of the finest character actors working today is the brawny James Gammon. He can be seen in many of today's movies as well as on television cast as sheriffs, truckdrivers, coaches and other blue-co ...Click on photo to read biography |
Doro Merande
(1892 - 1975)| Anyone who ever saw Doro Merande will remember her, that sweet old-fashioned school teacher look, that sweet whiny, warbly voice. She was a unique character actress often cast as spinsters, nosy neigh ...Click on photo to read biography |
Kevin McCarthy
(1914 - 2010)| One of the great character actors of films, he is "on the cusp" as he appeared in lead roles in his early years. An intense actor of medium build, a handsome looking face framed by deep, expressive ey ...Click on photo to read biography |
Arthur Kennedy
(1914 - 1990)| How good was Arthur Kennedy? He was a five time Oscar nominee, he won a Tony award for "Death of a Salesman" on stage, he won a New York Film Critics award for Best Actor in 1951 for "Bright Victory" ...Click on photo to read biography |
Edmond O'Brien
(1915 - 1985)| Like many of his fellow thespians Edmond O'Brien seemed to have two careers as an actor. The first, as a young, lean, handsome Irishman as a lead actor and the second in middle age as a paunchy, aging ...Click on photo to read biography |
Norma Varden
(1898 - 1989)| Norma Varden was a national treasure and few of us even realized that. I'm sure Great Britain would make a claim for her also, but she was an American for sure. She was 5' 7-1/2" tall, with a classic, ...Click on photo to read biography |
Stanley Andrews
(1891 - 1969)| He was a star of the early days of television appearing as the beloved 'Old Ranger' on "Death Valley Days." He preceded Ronald Reagan, Robert Taylor and Dale Robertson as host. It was his friendly fac ...Click on photo to read biography |
Joss Ackland
(1928 - )| You may have some difficulty in recognizing Joss Ackland from the photo above, and that’s understandable. He is often seen with dyed hair, longer hair, a variety of mustaches and/or beards and other d ...Click on photo to read biography |
Joan Davis
(1912 - 1961)| She was as gifted a comedienne as Lucille Ball and had a similar style...wacky! She is best remembered for her TV role on "I Married Joan" with Jim Backus but she had appeared in a number of films in ...Click on photo to read biography |
Richard Jaeckel
(1926 - 1997)| He was a tough guy in movies for over 50 years. Short, stocky and boyish-looking with blond hair and steely eyes he worked in films from his teens. He was often cast as a brash, wisecracking sidekick ...Click on photo to read biography |
L.Q. Jones
(1927 - )| One of those rare actors whose name was more familiar than his face. He was often confused for Al "Fuzzy Q. Jones" St. John. He was a tall sandy-haired, rugged looking Texan who wa ...Click on photo to read biography |
Edward.G. Robinson
(1893 - 1973)| Although he was a star in every aspect of the word, no salute to character actors would be complete without his inclusion. He was a character actor "to the core." ...Click on photo to read biography |
Sheldon Leonard
(1907 - 1997)| He had one of the most fascinating, familiar and recognizable voices in all of show business. He was also one of the most talented actors, directors and producers in "the biz." He was tall and stocky ...Click on photo to read biography |
Henry Daniell
(1894 - 1963)| Anyone who enjoys watching old movies remembers this memorable face. If not add some long sideburns, a mustache, a beard and you will. He was a staple in classic films and costume dramas or epics as a ...Click on photo to read biography |
Jesse White
(1918 - 1997)| His was a familiar face from old movies, television and most recently commercials. Round, solid and jovial with sharp facial features and a whiny, but memorable, voice he was cast in a variety of role ...Click on photo to read biography |
Paul Lynde
(1926 - 1982)| He was an original, one of the funniest men in show business. His style was so unique and his own, that there will never be another like him. Tall, medium built and dark haired, with mischievous eyes, ...Click on photo to read biography |
Logan Ramsey
(1921 - 2000)| My guess is that most people will recognize this excellent character actor's face but will not know his name. He was quite prolific on television and showed up in quite a few movies. Early on he was q ...Click on photo to read biography |
Joseph Kearns
(1907 - 1962)| He was an actor who was on his way up and sadly died before his career hit its peak. He is best remembered for his role as 'Mr. Wilson' on the "Dennis the Menace" TV series and most worthy for inclusi ...Click on photo to read biography |
Angela Lansbury
(1925 - )| One of the all time greats, she is a star but a master of character roles and therefore..."on the cusp." It is a well-known fact that she is admired by everyone she has ever worked with in show busine ...Click on photo to read biography |
Woodrow Parfrey
(1922 - 1984)| He was a master of eccentric characters in films and on television. Short, solid and dark, often with slicked down dark hair and squinty, mischievous eyes he could play straight roles as well. He ofte ...Click on photo to read biography |
Marvin Kaplan
(1927 - )| Two qualities that make for great character actors are: 1. the characterization and 2. its memorability. The acting is actually secondary if these are present. Marvin Kaplan's portrayals were both int ...Click on photo to read biography |
Jim Varney
(1949 - 2000)| Of course we don't know much about the off-screen personas of most actors, but I would venture a guess that Jim Varney was a very friendly, hard working man and that those who worked with him enjoyed ...Click on photo to read biography |
Lucille La.Verne
(1869 - 1945)| Pictured above in her role in "A Tale of Two Cities" and looking much like the cartoon witch she voiced in Disney's animated "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is Lucille La Ve ...Click on photo to read biography |
George Dzundza
(1945 - )| One of the finest character actors working today is George Dzundza. He is much in the mold of a Walter Slezak, yet has his own style and panache. Stout, but solid, with reddish hair, a round face and ...Click on photo to read biography |
Charles Durning
(1923 - )| He is a most dependable character actor and has been creating memorable roles since the 1960s. Rotund and stocky at 5' 8" with graying hair, a square face with impish eyes and a snickering smile. He w ...Click on photo to read biography |
Ralph Bellamy
(1904 - 1991)| Ralph Bellamy was a veteran actor who had enjoyed stardom for a time and mostly performed in character roles. He had performed for six decades on stage, in films and on television. Tall, well built an ...Click on photo to read biography |
Raymond Massey
(1896 - 1983)| Pictured above in one of his most famous roles, as Lincoln, is the younger Raymond Massey. He was a veteran actor of stage, screen and television and surprisingly made only 50 some films. He was tall, ...Click on photo to read biography |
Elvia Allman
(1904 - 1992)| Although she most often appeared on TV, she had done some movies. She was often cast as a housewife, friend of the star or the boss' wife working mostly in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. She was a stately wo ...Click on photo to read biography |
Liam Dunn
(1916 - 1976)| He was a very welcome sight in films and TV of the 1960s and 70s. A small, frail, skinny man with a receding hairline, small straight mouth, big eyes and a nervous demeanor he played doddering old coo ...Click on photo to read biography |
Harry Morgan
(1915 - )| Even though everyone and their uncle will recognize this familiar actor, no list of character actor greats would be complete without his inclusion. He is one of the most prolific actors in television ...Click on photo to read biography |
Ed Begley
(1901 - 1970)| About the only thing he had in common with his son, the actor, was the color of hair. Ed Begley Sr. was a larger-than-life, boisterous character, rotund with coarse features, big eyes and a booming vo ...Click on photo to read biography |
Ralph Meeker
(1920 - 1988)| He always played a tough guy, a troublemaker or a rebel of some type. He was tall, stockily built with a squarish face, squinty eyes and a serious demeanor. He was born Ralph Rathgeber on November 21, ...Click on photo to read biography |
Steve Buscemi
(1957 - )| One of the top character actors working today is Steve Buscemi. He may not like it, but since his work in "Fargo" he has come to be known as "the funny looking guy." Lean and lanky at 5' 8", with a sm ...Click on photo to read biography |
Kay Medford
(1920 - 1980)| She was the epitome of the "Jewish mother" in films and surprisingly she was not even Jewish. She was an average looking middle-aged woman, with short hair, quizzical eyes and a gravelly, whiny voice. ...Click on photo to read biography |
Trevor Howard
(1916 - 1988)| He was one of the best known English actors of his era and was "on the cusp" between character actor and star. His forte was playing English gentlemen, military officers and other stiff-upper-lip type ...Click on photo to read biography |
Terry- Thomas
(1911 - 1990)| In England he was called "the Ultimate Cad" based on roles he portrayed. To Americans he was an "eccentric" comic. Whenever you hear the words "egad man!" or "good show!", you can't help but think of ...Click on photo to read biography |
Ronny Cox
(1938 - )| His film debut was an auspicious one and in one of the scariest films I've ever seen..."Deliverance." He certainly made his mark, though, and has continued to compile one impressive list of credits. H ...Click on photo to read biography |
May Robson
(1858 - 1942)| Two famous actresses share the surname Robson, but are unrelated. Both appeared most often in character parts. We begin with May Robson. She was a familiar face in old movies and most often played a k ...Click on photo to read biography |
Flora Robson
(1902 - 1984)| Just as in the case of the Hepburns, Katharine and Audrey, we have two very talented actresses, with the same surname, unrelated and very different in styles. There are other parallels between the Rob ...Click on photo to read biography |
Maurice Evans
(1901 - 1989)| Although he was one of the world’s great Shakespearean and stage actors, he is probably best known in America for his role as a warlock on the "Bewitched" television series. Of medium height at 5' 10" ...Click on photo to read biography |
Billy DeWolfe
(1907 - 1974)| He was known for being impeccably dressed, fastidious in demeanor, elegant in style and a master of diction. This came across in the unique characters he portrayed. He was a tal ...Click on photo to read biography |
Edward Fox
(1937 - )| He was so believable in every part he played that it was difficult to distinguish the actor from the character. Two films stand out in his distinguished career, "Day of the Jackal" and "A Bridge Too F ...Click on photo to read biography |
Vincent Schiavelli
(1948 - 2005)| This wonderful thespian put the character back in character actor. Like many people, I first saw him in the classic film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and thought that he and many of his co-stars ...Click on photo to read biography |
Brian Donlevy
(1901 - 1972)| He was a steady actor but came into his own with one performance, that of a sadistic sergeant in the film "Beau Geste." He was of medium height, stocky with a barrel-chest, slick black hair, a neat mu ...Click on photo to read biography |
Herbert Lom
(1917 - )| Pictured here a bit younger than we usually remember him, he will always be thought of as the perfect example of manic frustration for his role as Chief Inspector Dreyfus in the Inspector Clouseau ser ...Click on photo to read biography |
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