Francis J. McDonald, an actor whose career spanned from the early silent films to the golden age of television, accumulated an impressive nearly 350 screen credits throughout his long and storied career. Beginning on stage, he transitioned to films in 1913, initially playing leading roles and later featuring in romantic and adventure films throughout the 1920s.
During this period, he married and divorced actress Mae Busch, who was known for her work in Laurel and Hardy comedies. MacDonald's early film career included 83 silent movies, with his first totally sound film being "Burning Up" in 1930. However, as he grew older, his roles shifted towards shady characters of secondary importance, often uncredited.
With his dark hair, mustache, beady eyes, and prominent nose, MacDonald was well-suited for villainous and ethnic roles, remaining in demand throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He worked with Cecil B. DeMille, securing a regular featured character role in many of his films, starting with "The Plainsman" in 1936.
Throughout the 1950s, MacDonald continued to appear in films, often cast in westerns as weaselly gamblers, henchmen, and dignified Indian chiefs. His natural talent for playing these roles led him to transition seamlessly into the popular western phenomenon of television, appearing in a range of episodic westerns, including "Range Rider," "Kit Carson," "Wild Bill Hickok," "The Lone Ranger," and "Have Gun-Will Travel."
In addition to his television work, MacDonald also appeared in several notable character pieces in movies. One of his most poignant roles was in DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" in 1956, where he played the small but memorable role of Simon, the old Jewish slave.
