George Dunn (actor)

George Dunn
Born Ollen George Dunn
(1914-11-23)November 23, 1914
Brownwood, Texas, U.S.
Died April 27, 1982(1982-04-27) (aged 67)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names George E. Dunn
Occupation Actor, humorist
Years active 1953-1980

George Dunn (November 23, 1914 – April 27, 1982) was an American actor, humorist, vaudeville performer, and satirist. He often portrayed Western characters in film and television. His homespun wit, rope tricks, and satirizing of American life, politics, and sports reflected the strong influence Will Rogers had on him as an entertainer.

Career

Born Ollen George Dunn in Brownwood, Texas, Dunn made his way from Texas to New York City to perform in vaudeville. From there, he went on to Hollywood, where he appeared in twenty five motion pictures and more than one hundred television shows. Some of his appearances were uncredited bit parts.

One of his major roles was "The Prophet" in Operation Petticoat, alongside Tony Curtis and Gavin MacLeod. Dunn also appeared in several other well-known films, including Giant, Inherit the Wind, The Long, Hot Summer, The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm, and Shenandoah. In another phase of his career, he appeared in a number of John Cassavetes films, including Faces and A Woman Under the Influence. Like John Wayne, Dunn's final roles were in the same film, The Shootist. In addition to his film work, Dunn appeared in many popular television shows throughout the mid '50s, '60s, and '70s, such as The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Favorite Martian, and Starsky and Hutch. He also appeared in the Off-Broadway production of The Rainmaker in 1954.

While George Dunn never attained celebrity status, his long and steady acting career allowed him to travel around the world three times, visiting 95 countries. His world travels provided him with much fodder for humorous storytelling and entertaining after-dinner speaking engagements.

Death

Dunn died on April 27, 1982 in Los Angeles, California.

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1953 How to Marry a Millionaire Mike - Elevator Operator Uncredited
1955 Prince of Players Doorman Uncredited
Daddy Long Legs Chauffeur Uncredited
Good Morning, Miss Dove Bert, the Janitor Uncredited
1956 The Lieutenant Wore Skirts Base mail clerk Uncredited
Ransom! Bank clerk Uncredited
Alternative title: Fearful Decision
Away All Boats Hubert
Giant Vern Decker Uncredited
1957 The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm George
Joe Dakota Jim Baldwin
1959 Operation Petticoat The Prophet
1960 Wake Me When It's Over Staff Photographer Uncredited
Inherit the Wind Banker - Critic at City Meeting Uncredited
1962 The Silent Witness
1965 Baby the Rain Must Fall Counterman at Restaurant
1968 Faces Comedian
1969 The Good Guys and the Bad Guys Engineer #1
1971 The Beguiled Sam Jefferson
1973 Stand Up and Be Counted Policeman Uncredited
The Severed Arm Harry the Janitor
1974 A Woman Under the Influence Garson Cross
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1958 The Adventures of Jim Bowie Davey Crockett 1 episode
1958-1958 Cimarron City Jesse Williams 5 episodes
1959 The Detectives Starring Robert Taylor Sooky 1 episode
The Alaskans Stampede Pete 1 episode
1960 Harrigan and Son Detective 1 episode
1960–1961 The Andy Griffith Show Pete 3 episodes
1961 My Three Sons Listener 1 episode
The Aquanauts Chuck 1 episode
Ben Casey 1 episode
1961–1971 Bonanza Drunk #2
Andy
2 episodes
1962 Ripcord John Chapman 1 episode
Lawman 1 episode
The Virginian Biggs 1 episode
1962–1963 The Lloyd Bridges Show Leo 2 episodes
1963 The Great Adventure Farmer 1 episode
Wagon Train Jones 1 episode
1964 My Favorite Martian Mr. Edgar Graham 1 episode
1965 Camp Runamuck The Sheriff Unknown episodes
1967 Stranger on the Run Pilney Television movie
Alternative title: Lonesome Gun
1968 Felony Squad Watchman 1 episode
1963 The Beverly Hillbillies Bailiff 1 episode
Adam-12 Danny Bryant 1 episode
1972 Mannix Customer 1 episode
1976 Starsky and Hutch Officer O' Keefe 1 episode
1978 The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries Bellman 1 episode
Kate Bliss and the Ticker Tape Kid Jim Haggerty Television movie
1980 The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo Fire chief 1 episode, (Last appearance)

References

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