Charles McGraw, born Charles Butters, was a seasoned actor with a rugged demeanor, known for his extensive work in television and film. He often portrayed law enforcement figures, military officers, and the occasional shady character. McGraw's early life was marked by his nickname "Chick" and his experience as a theatre usher during his high school days.
After graduating from high school, McGraw returned to his hometown of Akron to pursue higher education. However, he decided to hitchhike to New York, where he briefly pursued a career as a middleweight boxer before turning to acting.
McGraw's first major success came in 1937 when he appeared on Broadway in Clifford Odets' play "Golden Boy." Following this, he struggled to find consistent stage work, leading him to take on various jobs, including dancing at dime-a-dance establishments.
McGraw's Hollywood career began in 1942 with small roles, but it stalled after a brief stint in the army. He then found work as a radio actor, utilizing his distinctive gravelly voice to excel in crime dramas. This newfound success eventually led to a resurgence in his Hollywood career.
Throughout his career, McGraw was known for his tough-guy persona, which was perfectly suited to his rugged appearance and steely gaze. Some of his most notable roles include:
* The dogged cop protecting a mob witness in the 1952 classic thriller "The Narrow Margin"
* The resolute Lt. Jim Cordell pursuing armed bandits in "Armored Car Robbery" (1950)
* A hit man in Robert Siodmak's seminal film noir "The Killers" (1946)
* The sadistic gladiatorial trainer Marcellus, taunting slave Kirk Douglas, in the epic "Spartacus" (1960)
* The naval commander of William Holden's character in the Korean War drama "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" (1954)
* The jaded police officer Lt. Matthews assisting Spencer Tracy in the all-star comedy "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963)
Tragically, McGraw's life was cut short in 1980 when he slipped and fell through a glass shower door, resulting in his death.
