Donald MacBride, a talented character actor, left an indelible mark on the world of slapstick comedy and detective whodunits. His rugged, serious countenance and unwavering professionalism made him a sought-after presence in numerous 1930s and 1940s crime films.
Born in Brooklyn, MacBride began his career in show business as a teenage singer, performing in vaudeville and Broadway productions such as "George White's Scandals" and "Room Service". He eventually took a chance on Hollywood, appearing in a few silent films before returning to the film industry full-time in the 1930s.
Throughout his illustrious career, MacBride appeared in over 100 comedies and dramas, including the movie adaptation of "Room Service" (1938) alongside the Marx Brothers, the flustered hotel manager in "My Favorite Wife" (1940),an ex-con and ringleader in "High Sierra" (1941),and an Irish politician in "The Dark Horse" (1946).
However, MacBride's true forte was playing by-the-book police inspectors. Although he might seem slightly less capable when paired with iconic detectives such as Charlie Chan, Michael Shayne, or the Saint, he shone brightly as a solo investigator, tracking down hardened criminals like The Creeper.
In the 1950s, MacBride transitioned to television, continuing his impressive career until his passing in 1957.
