Lloyd Nolan was a veteran character actor born in San Francisco, California. His father, James Nolan, was a successful shoe manufacturer of Irish descent. Lloyd developed an interest in acting while attending Santa Clara College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He then went to Stanford University but did not complete his studies, opting instead to pursue a career in acting.
Nolan began his acting career in the 1920s, performing in various stage productions, including stock theatre and musicals. He eventually moved to Hollywood, where he signed with Paramount Pictures and began appearing in films. He quickly established himself as a versatile actor, playing a wide range of roles, from romantic leads to tough, hard-boiled detectives.
Throughout his career, Nolan appeared in over 150 films, including many B-movies, as well as notable productions such as "One Sunday Afternoon" and "Bataan". He also worked extensively in television, starring in his own series, including "Martin Kane" and "Special Agent 7", and appearing in numerous other shows and films.
In the 1950s, Nolan returned to Broadway, starring in the original production of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" and repeating the role on television in a Ford Star Jubilee production. He continued to work in television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in shows such as "The Untouchables" and "77 Sunset Strip".
In the 1970s and 1980s, Nolan made a number of cameo appearances in films, including "Ice Station Zebra", "Airport", and "Earthquake". He also continued to work in television, appearing in shows such as "Murder, She Wrote" and "Hannah and Her Sisters".
Nolan's final role was in a 1986 episode of "Murder, She Wrote", which aired just before his death from lung cancer. Throughout his career, Nolan was known for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to his craft. He was a true Hollywood legend, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic films and television.
