Mike Kellin, a rugged individual with a distinctive coarse voice, frequently portrayed tough characters such as cops, gangsters, or soldiers, often holding the ranks of corporal or sergeant, which may come as a surprise considering his impressive naval career during World War II, where he served as a Lieutenant Commander.
Although Kellin's rough-around-the-edges persona might have led some to believe he hailed from the tenements of New York City, the truth is that he was born in upscale Hartford, Connecticut, and received his education at Boston College. Following his naval service, he enrolled in the Yale School of Drama, where he developed a prolific stage career, appearing in over 50 plays and earning an Obie award, as well as a Tony nomination.
Kellin made his film debut in the Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis comedy At War with the Army (1950),playing, of course, a sergeant. He delivered a standout performance as a tough infantry soldier with a soft spot for a young Polish refugee in the WWII film Hell Is for Heroes (1962). Tragically, Kellin passed away from cancer in Nyack, New York, in 1983.
