Raymond Walburn was a stalwart character actor whose name may have slipped through the memory cracks over time, but whose valued contribution to 30s and 40s comedy films certainly warrants a reminder.
Born on September 9, 1887, in Plymouth, Indiana, Walburn moved to Oakland, California with his actress mother after high school. He began his acting career at age 18, playing the Second Witch in "MacBeth" at the Liberty Theatre.
Walburn's early career was marked by extensive touring in stock shows and a few Broadway misfires, but he eventually landed his first Broadway role in "The Greyhound" in 1912. He continued to work in theatre and stock shows throughout the 1920s, making his London debut in 1924.
Walburn made his film debut in 1929, supporting Ruth Chatterton in "The Laughing Lady". He didn't return to films until 1934, but quickly became a mainstay of Columbia Pictures, starring in films such as "Broadway Bill" (1934),"Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936),and "State of the Union" (1948).
Walburn also worked with directors Frank Capra and Preston Sturges, starring in films such as "Christmas in July" (1940),"Hail the Conquering Hero" (1944),and "The Sin of Harold Diddlebock" (1947).
In the post-war years, Walburn starred in his own series of light comedy films, playing patriarch Henry Latham in the "Henry" series. He continued to work in film and television throughout the 1950s, including roles in "The Spoilers" (1955) and "Father Takes the Air" (1951).
Walburn's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his first wife Gertrude. He retired from acting after her passing, but returned to the stage in 1962 to star in the musical farce "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". He continued to work in theatre and television until his death in New York City in 1969, at the age of 81.
