Francis Pierlot, a minor film player, made his way to Hollywood in 1939 at the age of 63 with the intention of retiring shortly thereafter. However, he went on to play a steady stream of small character roles, defying his initial plans, and enjoyed a film career that spanned over a decade.
Born on July 15, 1875, in France, Pierlot migrated to the United States at a young age and was raised in Boston. His early exposure to the entertainment industry came at the tender age of 13, when he worked as a theatre usher. He later ventured into vaudeville and became a reliable performer on Broadway throughout the 1920s and 1930s, starring in notable productions such as "Please Get Married" (1919),"Gentlemen of the Press" (1928),and "Knickerbocker Holiday" (1938).
In the 1940s, Pierlot transitioned to film, never seeking to make a flashy impression, but instead consistently delivering reliable performances. He typically portrayed benevolent, gray-haired characters, often dressed impeccably, respected, and approachable. Some of his notable film credits include "The Captain Is a Lady" (1940),"Henry Aldrich, Editor" (1942),"Hit the Hay" (1945),"Two Guys from Milwaukee" (1946),"The Flame and the Arrow" (1950),and "It Happens Every Thursday" (1953).
Pierlot also made appearances on television, playing the recurring role of "Mr. Hubert" on Jack Carson's show in the early 1950s. Tragically, Pierlot's life was cut short when he passed away due to a heart attack in Hollywood in 1955.
