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

{"id":81907,"title":"Ice Station Zebra","year":"1968","character":"Bar Patron (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/ice-station-zebra","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_81907.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_81907.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
Ice Station Zebra
Ice Station Zebra as Bar Patron (uncredited)
{"id":82083,"title":"Gambit","year":"1966","character":"Cafe Patron (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/gambit-1966","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/55ahk9mp4d70.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/55ahk9mp4d70.jpg"},"released":1}
1966
Gambit
Gambit as Cafe Patron (uncredited)
{"id":22568,"title":"A Big Hand for the Little Lady","year":"1966","character":"Barfly (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/a-big-hand-for-the-little-lady","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_22568.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_22568.jpg"},"released":1}
A Big Hand for the Little Lady
A Big Hand for the Little Lady as Barfly (uncredited)
{"id":32372,"title":"Inside Daisy Clover","year":"1965","character":"Crew Member (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/inside-daisy-clover","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_32372.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_32372.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
Inside Daisy Clover
Inside Daisy Clover as Crew Member (uncredited)
{"id":65916,"title":"Twilight of Honor","year":"1963","character":"Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/twilight-of-honor","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65916.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65916.jpg"},"released":1}
1963
Twilight of Honor
Twilight of Honor as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
{"id":9291,"title":"How the West Was Won","year":"1962","character":"Waiter (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/how-the-west-was-won","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4rt5cn9bdu20.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4rt5cn9bdu20.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
How the West Was Won
How the West Was Won as Waiter (uncredited)
{"id":796,"title":"To Kill a Mockingbird","year":"1962","character":"Juror (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/to-kill-a-mockingbird","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/74amvjs5i7n0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/74amvjs5i7n0.jpg"},"released":1}
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird as Juror (uncredited)
{"id":94740,"title":"Chicago Confidential","year":"1957","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/chicago-confidential","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_94740.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_94740.jpg"},"released":1}
1957
{"id":82447,"title":"Footsteps in the Night","year":"1957","character":"Salesman (Uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/footsteps-in-the-night","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82447.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82447.jpg"},"released":1}
Footsteps in the Night
Footsteps in the Night as Salesman (Uncredited)
{"id":82486,"title":"There's Always Tomorrow","year":"1956","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/theres-always-tomorrow","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82486.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82486.jpg"},"released":1}
1956
{"id":14865,"title":"Somebody Up There Likes Me","year":"1956","character":"Hearing Specatator (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/somebody-up-there-likes-me-1956","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2hadcophtchg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2hadcophtchg.jpg"},"released":1}
Somebody Up There Likes Me
Somebody Up There Likes Me as Hearing Specatator (uncredited)
{"id":67124,"title":"It's Always Fair Weather","year":"1955","character":"Pedestrian (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/its-always-fair-weather-1955","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67124.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67124.jpg"},"released":1}
1955
It's Always Fair Weather
It's Always Fair Weather as Pedestrian (uncredited)
{"id":67106,"title":"Illegal","year":"1955","character":"Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/illegal-1955","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67106.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67106.jpg"},"released":1}
Illegal
Illegal as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
{"id":67372,"title":"Broken Lance","year":"1954","character":"Townsman (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/broken-lance","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6fh02jq8jk40.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6fh02jq8jk40.jpg"},"released":1}
1954
Broken Lance
Broken Lance as Townsman (uncredited)
{"id":10565,"title":"How to Marry a Millionaire","year":"1953","character":"Cook (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/how-to-marry-a-millionaire","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1v69km9f4vgo.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1v69km9f4vgo.jpg"},"released":1}
1953
How to Marry a Millionaire
How to Marry a Millionaire as Cook (uncredited)
{"id":67988,"title":"Hellgate","year":"1952","character":"Prisoner (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/hellgate-1952","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67988.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67988.jpg"},"released":1}
1952
Hellgate
Hellgate as Prisoner (uncredited)
{"id":67958,"title":"Rancho Notorious","year":"1952","character":"Barfly (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/rancho-notorious","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67958.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67958.jpg"},"released":1}
Rancho Notorious
Rancho Notorious as Barfly (uncredited)
{"id":35407,"title":"Room for One More","year":"1952","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/room-for-one-more","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_35407.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_35407.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":22345,"title":"High Noon","year":"1952","character":"Church Member (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/high-noon","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2ifk8c96ge30.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2ifk8c96ge30.jpg"},"released":1}
High Noon
High Noon as Church Member (uncredited)
{"id":68253,"title":"Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Invisible Man","year":"1951","character":"Trainer (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/bud-abbott-and-lou-costello-meet-the-invisible-man","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6e4pgqpc39l0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6e4pgqpc39l0.jpg"},"released":1}
1951
{"id":68251,"title":"A Place in the Sun","year":"1951","character":"Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/a-place-in-the-sun","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_68251.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_68251.jpg"},"released":1}
A Place in the Sun
A Place in the Sun as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
{"id":32513,"title":"On Dangerous Ground","year":"1951","character":"Waiter (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/on-dangerous-ground","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_32513.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_32513.jpg"},"released":1}
On Dangerous Ground
On Dangerous Ground as Waiter (uncredited)
{"id":31843,"title":"He Ran All the Way","year":"1951","character":"Co-Worker (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/he-ran-all-the-way","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_31843.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_31843.jpg"},"released":1}
He Ran All the Way
He Ran All the Way as Co-Worker (uncredited)
{"id":68802,"title":"The Furies","year":"1950","character":"Party Guest (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/the-furies","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_68802.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_68802.jpg"},"released":1}
1950
The Furies
The Furies as Party Guest (uncredited)
{"id":173903,"title":"Ringside","year":"1949","character":"Fight Spectoator (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/ringside-1949","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_173903.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_173903.jpg"},"released":1}
1949
Ringside
Ringside as Fight Spectoator (uncredited)
{"id":69731,"title":"Thunder Mountain","year":"1947","character":"Waiter (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/thunder-mountain","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_69731.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_69731.jpg"},"released":1}
1947
Thunder Mountain
Thunder Mountain as Waiter (uncredited)
{"id":67918,"title":"Monsieur Verdoux","year":"1947","character":"Pedestrian (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/monsieur-verdoux","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2r4lh510mctg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2r4lh510mctg.jpg"},"released":1}
Monsieur Verdoux
Monsieur Verdoux as Pedestrian (uncredited)
{"id":14712,"title":"It Happened on Fifth Avenue","year":"1947","character":"Man Tossing Pudding (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/it-happened-on-fifth-avenue","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14712.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14712.jpg"},"released":1}
It Happened on Fifth Avenue
It Happened on Fifth Avenue as Man Tossing Pudding (uncredited)
{"id":70239,"title":"The Jade Mask","year":"1945","character":"Police Officer (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/the-jade-mask","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70239.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70239.jpg"},"released":1}
1945
The Jade Mask
The Jade Mask as Police Officer (uncredited)
{"id":70519,"title":"Hollywood Canteen","year":"1944","character":"Soldier (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/hollywood-canteen","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70519.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70519.jpg"},"released":1}
1944
Hollywood Canteen
Hollywood Canteen as Soldier (uncredited)
{"id":71347,"title":"For Me and My Gal","year":"1942","character":"Soldier (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/for-me-and-my-gal","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71347.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71347.jpg"},"released":1}
1942
For Me and My Gal
For Me and My Gal as Soldier (uncredited)
{"id":30550,"title":"Yankee Doodle Dandy","year":"1942","character":"Soldier (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/yankee-doodle-dandy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2e9e3q65eb80.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2e9e3q65eb80.jpg"},"released":1}
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle Dandy as Soldier (uncredited)
{"id":14419,"title":"I Wake Up Screaming","year":"1941","character":"Sidewalk passerby (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/i-wake-up-screaming","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14419.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14419.jpg"},"released":1}
1941
I Wake Up Screaming
I Wake Up Screaming as Sidewalk passerby (uncredited)
{"id":794,"title":"Gone with the Wind","year":"1939","character":"Townsman (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/gone-with-the-wind","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/26jfukjpq1gg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/26jfukjpq1gg.jpg"},"released":1}
1939
Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind as Townsman (uncredited)
{"id":72518,"title":"The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse","year":"1938","character":"Spectator at Robbery (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streamfind.com\/us\/movie\/the-amazing-dr-clitterhouse","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72518.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streamfind.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72518.jpg"},"released":1}
1938
The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse
The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse as Spectator at Robbery (uncredited)