Stuart Erwin was an American actor who made a name for himself in both film and television. Born in 1903 in Squaw Valley, California, Erwin's early life was marked by his attendance at Porterville High School and later the University of California. He began his acting career on stage, performing in repertory theatre in Los Angeles during the 1920s.
Erwin's film debut came in 1928 with the biographical film "Mother Knows Best," which was the first "talkie" produced by Fox Film using the Movietone sound system. He went on to appear in several films throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s, often in supporting roles. However, his breakthrough came in 1932 with the musical comedy "The Big Broadcast," in which he played the role of Leslie McWhinney, a radio-station owner and oil-industry businessman.
Erwin's subsequent roles included the starring role in the comedy film "Palooka" (1934),where he played the role of Joe Palooka, a professional boxer with a kind heart. He also appeared in the comedy "Pigskin Parade" (1936),in which he played the role of Amos Dodd, an uneducated farmer from Arkansas who becomes a college football player. His performance in this film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his film work, Erwin was also a prolific radio actor. He appeared in numerous radio shows, including "Phone Again Finnegan" (1946),"Lux Radio Theatre" (1934-1955),"Cavalcade of America" (1935-1953),and "The United States Steel Hour" (1943-1953).
Erwin's television career began in the 1950s, when he starred in the sitcom "The Stu Erwin Show" from 1950 to 1955. The show ran for 130 episodes and cast Erwin as a high-school principal who was also the father of high-spirited teens. After the show ended, Erwin continued to appear as a guest star on other television shows, including "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," and "Lassie."
Erwin's final film role came in 1963 with the science-fiction comedy "Son of Flubber," in which he played the role of football coach Wilson. The film was a commercial success, earning about $22 million at the North American box office. His final role was in the science-fiction comedy "The Misadventures of Merlin Jones" (1964),in which he played the role of Police Chief Loomis.
