Dan Tobin's three-decade long career in Hollywood as a supporting player spanned from 1939 to the late 1970s. His unique appearance, characterized by squinty eyes, high cheekbones, and a thin moustache, was often complemented by a fussy and bumptious manner, making him an ideal typecast for roles that demanded a sense of superiority, such as being supercilious, miserly, smugly conceited, or obsequious.
Although Tobin's screen personas could sometimes be sinister or underhanded, they also frequently provided comedic relief. For instance, his portrayal of Gerald Howe, a somewhat camp and bow-tied employee, in the 1942 film Woman of the Year showcased his ability to add humor to his characters.
On the stage, Tobin's biggest hit came in 1939-40 when he played the role of Alexander 'Sandy' Lord in Philip Barry's classic comedy play The Philadelphia Story on Broadway.
By the mid-1950s, Tobin had transitioned from films to guest appearances in early anthology series and sitcoms on television. He had a regular spot in the final season of Perry Mason in 1957, playing the role of restaurateur friend Terrance Clay, alongside Raymond Burr. Tobin also made appearances in several episodes of Bewitched in 1964 and The Ghost & Mrs. Muir in 1968, often playing characters that were meant to be deflated for comedic effect.
Tobin retired from acting in 1977 and passed away five years later at the age of 72. During his personal life, he was married to TV scriptwriter Jean Holloway.
