Jack Elam

Jack Elam

Deceased · Born: Nov 13, 1920 · Died: Oct 20, 2003

Personal Details

BornNov 13, 1920 Miami, Arizona, USA
Spouse
  • Margaret M. Jennison

    ( Aug 23, 1961 to Oct 20, 2003 )
  • Jean L. Hodgert

    ( Aug 24, 1939 to Jan 24, 1961 )
Parents
  • Alice Amelia Kriby
  • Millard Elam

Biography

Here is the biography:

Born to be a memorable character, Victor French was a talented American actor who effortlessly transitioned between playing vicious killers and grizzled sidekicks on the big screen. His early life was marked by a humble beginning, working in the cotton fields as a child.

French's educational background included attending Santa Monica Junior College in California, where he honed his skills and prepared for a future in the entertainment industry. After completing his studies, he pursued a career in accounting, even rising to the position of manager at the prestigious Bel Air Hotel.

French's entry into the world of cinema was a unique one, as he traded his accounting services for a role in a movie. This bold move proved to be a wise decision, as he quickly became one of the most recognizable and beloved supporting actors in Hollywood.

A key factor in French's success was his distinctive on-screen persona, which was often described as near-demented. This eccentric charm was further accentuated by his striking physical feature - an out-of-kilter left eye, which was a result of a childhood fight. This peculiar attribute added a touch of uniqueness to his performances, making him a standout in a crowded industry.

Throughout his career, French appeared in a wide range of films, including Westerns and gangster movies. He was equally adept at playing tough, rugged characters and more comedic roles, showcasing his impressive range as an actor. Despite his versatility, French's most memorable performances often featured his ability to bring a sense of gravitas and depth to his characters, making him a beloved figure in the world of cinema.

Career

1995
1993
Uninvited
Uninvited as Grady
1992
1991
Suburban Commando
Suburban Commando as Col. Dustin 'Dusty' McHowell
1990
Big Bad John
Big Bad John as Jake Calhoun
1988
1987
1983
Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground as Lum Witcher
Lost
Lost as Mr. Newsom
1982
Jinxed!
Jinxed! as Otto
1981
Soggy Bottom, U.S.A.
Soggy Bottom, U.S.A. as Troscliar Boudreaux
The Villain
The Villain as Avery Simpson
The Sacketts
The Sacketts as Ira Bigelow
1978
The Norseman
The Norseman as Death Dreamer
Black Beauty
Black Beauty as Jonas McBride
1977
Grayeagle
Grayeagle as Trapper Willis
How the West Was Won
How the West Was Won as Cully Madigan
1976
The Winds of Autumn
The Winds of Autumn as J. Pete Hankins
Pony Express Rider
Pony Express Rider as Crazy Charlie
Hawmps!
Hawmps! as Bad Jack Cutter
1975
1974
A Knife for the Ladies
A Knife for the Ladies as Jarrod (Sheriff)
1973
The Red Pony
The Red Pony as Granddad
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid as Alamosa Bill Kermit
1971
Hannie Caulder
Hannie Caulder as Frank Clemens
1970
Dirty Dingus Magee
Dirty Dingus Magee as John Wesley Hardin
Rio Lobo
Rio Lobo as Phillips
The Over-the-Hill Gang
The Over-the-Hill Gang as Sheriff Clyde Barnes
1968
Firecreek
Firecreek as Norman
Never a Dull Moment
Never a Dull Moment as Ace Williams
1967
The Last Challenge
The Last Challenge as Ernest Scarnes
The Way West
The Way West as Preacher Weatherby
The Rare Breed
The Rare Breed as Deke Simons
1963
Temple Houston
Temple Houston as George Taggart
The Dakotas
The Dakotas as Deputy J.D. Smith
1961
The Comancheros
The Comancheros as Horseface (Comanchero)
1959
Edge of Eternity
Edge of Eternity as Bill Ward
1958
Lure of the Swamp
Lure of the Swamp as Henry Bliss
Baby Face Nelson
Baby Face Nelson as Fatso Nagel
Night Passage
Night Passage as Shotgun
1956
Pardners
Pardners as Pete
Thunder Over Arizona
Thunder Over Arizona as Slats Callahan
Jubal
Jubal as McCoy
Kismet
Kismet as Hasan-Ben
Moonfleet
Moonfleet as Damen
Kiss Me Deadly
Kiss Me Deadly as Charlie Max
Man Without a Star
Man Without a Star as Knife Murderer (uncredited)
The Far Country
The Far Country as Frank Newberry
1953
Count the Hours!
Count the Hours! as Max Verne
Gun Belt
Gun Belt as Rusty Kolloway
1952
Rancho Notorious
Rancho Notorious as Mort Geary
My Man and I
My Man and I as Celestino Garcia
The Ring
The Ring as Harry Jackson
High Noon
High Noon as Charlie - Drunk in Jail (uncredited)
1951
Rawhide
Rawhide as Tevis
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise as The Trader
1950
The Sundowners
The Sundowners as Earl Boyce
High Lonesome
High Lonesome as Smiling Man
One Way Street
One Way Street as Arnie (uncredited)
Key to the City
Key to the City as Councilman (uncredited)
1949
Wild Weed
Wild Weed as Raymond - Henchman