Clarence Kolb, a multifaceted individual, initially began his career as one half of a vaudeville comedy act, aptly named Kolb and Dill. In 1916, he made a few short films, followed by a feature in 1917. However, he soon returned to his vaudeville and stage roots, remaining absent from the film industry until the late 1930s.
Kolb's distinctive physical appearance, characterized by his stern, authoritarian looks and booming voice, proved to be an asset in his subsequent film roles. He frequently portrayed assemblable, bombastic politicians and businessmen, often with a morally ambiguous or even corrupt nature.
One of his most iconic roles was that of the fast-talking, corrupt mayor in the classic film His Girl Friday (1940). Additionally, he played the role of Mr. Honeywell, the boss of Vern Albright, in the popular 1950s television series My Little Margie.
