John Breen

John Breen

Deceased · Born: Nov 13, 1906 · Died: Aug 10, 1972

Personal Details

BornNov 13, 1906 New York, USA

Biography

John Breen, a talented actor, often went unnoticed by movie and television audiences due to his unassuming appearance and natural curly hair. His career spanned from the 1930s to the early 1950s, with a steady stream of film roles throughout.

Although he didn't fit the traditional mold of a leading man, Breen excelled in background roles, often playing local citizens, courtroom spectators, or bar patrons. His diminutive stature and subtle presence allowed him to blend into the scenery, making him a versatile asset to any production.

As the 1950s progressed, Breen transitioned to television, where he found his true calling. He appeared in numerous early television dramas, including "Dangerous Assignment" (1950),"Screen Directors Playhouse" (1955),and "Adventures of Superman" (1952).

By the late 1950s, Breen had established himself as a reliable character actor, often taking on roles in low-budget television westerns. He worked extensively with production companies like ZIV and Four Star, playing waiters, townsfolk, and other supporting characters.

In the early 1960s, Breen's career reached new heights, with steady work on popular shows like "Bonanza" (1959) and "Gunsmoke" (1955). He continued to appear in westerns, including "The Virginian" (1962),"The Rifleman" (1958),"The Big Valley" (1965),and "Cimarron Strip" (1967).

John Breen's long and distinguished career finally came to a close in 1968, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile character actor.

Career

1968
Ice Station Zebra
Ice Station Zebra as Bar Patron (uncredited)
1966
Gambit
Gambit as Cafe Patron (uncredited)
A Big Hand for the Little Lady
A Big Hand for the Little Lady as Barfly (uncredited)
1965
Inside Daisy Clover
Inside Daisy Clover as Crew Member (uncredited)
1963
Twilight of Honor
Twilight of Honor as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
1962
How the West Was Won
How the West Was Won as Waiter (uncredited)
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird as Juror (uncredited)
1958
Footsteps in the Night
Footsteps in the Night as Salesman (Uncredited)
Somebody Up There Likes Me
Somebody Up There Likes Me as Hearing Specatator (uncredited)
1955
It's Always Fair Weather
It's Always Fair Weather as Pedestrian (uncredited)
Illegal
Illegal as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
1954
Broken Lance
Broken Lance as Townsman (uncredited)
1953
How to Marry a Millionaire
How to Marry a Millionaire as Cook (uncredited)
1952
Hellgate
Hellgate as Prisoner (uncredited)
Rancho Notorious
Rancho Notorious as Barfly (uncredited)
High Noon
High Noon as Church Member (uncredited)
A Place in the Sun
A Place in the Sun as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
On Dangerous Ground
On Dangerous Ground as Waiter (uncredited)
He Ran All the Way
He Ran All the Way as Co-Worker (uncredited)
1950
The Furies
The Furies as Party Guest (uncredited)
1949
Ringside
Ringside as Fight Spectoator (uncredited)
1947
Thunder Mountain
Thunder Mountain as Waiter (uncredited)
Monsieur Verdoux
Monsieur Verdoux as Pedestrian (uncredited)
It Happened on Fifth Avenue
It Happened on Fifth Avenue as Man Tossing Pudding (uncredited)
1945
The Jade Mask
The Jade Mask as Police Officer (uncredited)
1944
Hollywood Canteen
Hollywood Canteen as Soldier (uncredited)
1942
For Me and My Gal
For Me and My Gal as Soldier (uncredited)
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle Dandy as Soldier (uncredited)
1941
I Wake Up Screaming
I Wake Up Screaming as Sidewalk passerby (uncredited)
1939
Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind as Townsman (uncredited)
1938
The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse
The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse as Spectator at Robbery (uncredited)