Malcolm Atterbury, a Philadelphia native, was born into a wealthy family, with his father serving as the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad. However, despite the opportunity to follow in his father's footsteps, Atterbury had no desire to pursue a career in the family business. Instead, he was drawn to the world of acting, and he went to great lengths to make his dream a reality.
Atterbury's journey to becoming an actor began with a job managing a radio station. From there, he transitioned into the world of vaudeville, before eventually making his way to the stage, where he gained a reputation as a solid and reliable actor. He appeared in a variety of stage productions, including both musicals and dramas.
Atterbury's film debut came in 1954 with a role in Dragnet. He soon became a busy supporting actor in films, appearing in a wide range of roles. Despite his success in Hollywood, Atterbury never lost his love for the theater, and he continued to work on stage productions throughout his career.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Atterbury was also a successful businessman. He owned two theaters in upstate New York, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to the arts.
Atterbury's versatility as an actor was one of his greatest strengths. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from a priest to a senator to a hotel clerk to a gunfighter to a cranky, cantankerous old codger. He was a master of his craft, and his performances were always highly praised by critics and audiences alike.
Atterbury's final film appearance was in Emperor of the North, which was released in 1973. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his retirement, and he passed away in Beverly Hills in 1992 at the age of 84. Despite his passing, Atterbury's legacy lives on, and he is still remembered and respected by fans of film and theater alike.
