Andy Clyde's illustrious film career, spanning over four decades, commenced on the vaudeville stages and music halls in his native Scotland during the 1920s. He made his way to Hollywood, initially serving as an extra in Mack Sennett comedies, before rising to prominence as a featured player, often cast as the sidekick or second banana to the lead.
He enjoyed a successful stint at Educational Pictures, where he starred in his own series of well-received comedy shorts during the mid-1930s, and subsequently formed a long-standing association with Columbia Pictures. Over the next two decades, he created his own series of comedy shorts, solidifying his status as a popular player with the studio.
Notably, he outlasted every Columbia Pictures comedian except The Three Stooges, a testament to his enduring appeal. He is, however, most fondly remembered for his role as California Carlson, the affable comedic relief, in Paramount's highly successful "Hopalong Cassidy" series. He appeared in 36 of the 66 films, and also joined William Boyd, aka "Hoppy," on his popular radio show.
Clyde's extensive filmography includes several western films, where he typically portrayed a rugged, grizzled, and scruffy marshal, deputy, or cowboy, often sporting a several-days' growth of beard and a mismatched wardrobe. In reality, he was the epitome of elegance, being a clean-shaven and sharp dresser.
His final film, Pardon My Nightshirt (1956),marked the conclusion of his Columbia shorts series. He continued to work in television, securing regular roles in shows such as No Time for Sergeants (1964) and The Real McCoys (1957).
Andy Clyde passed away in 1967 at the age of 75, still actively working in Hollywood.
