Franklin Pangborn was a unique character actor with a distinctive face and voice, but little is known about his early years. He developed his acting talent before making his Broadway debut in March 1911, and went on to appear in six plays until mid-1913. He then disappeared from the stage for several years, reappearing in 1924 with a single play. During World War I, Pangborn served in the US Army.
After the war, Pangborn turned to silent films, initially playing dramatic roles, including Armand Duval in "Camille" and parts in "Ben Hur" and "Joseph and His Brethren". However, his droopy face and comedic timing made him a natural fit for comedic roles, and he went on to play many comedic parts in shorts and feature films throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Pangborn's characters were often typecast as straight-laced, nervous minor officials or service providers, and he perfected a sense of timing and demeanor that made his performances guaranteed laughs. He worked with many notable directors and stars, including W.C. Fields, Frank Capra, and Preston Sturges, and appeared in many classic comedies of the 1930s and 1940s.
In addition to his comedic roles, Pangborn also appeared in dramatic parts, including a notable performance as a cruise tourist director in "Now, Voyager" (1942). He continued to work in film and television throughout the 1950s, and was even a guest announcer and first guest star on the premiere of the "Tonight Show" with Jack Paar in 1957.
Pangborn passed away after surgery in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of comedic gems that continue to endure.
