Edgar Buchanan was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Hopalong Cassidy, Judge Roy Bean, and Petticoat Junction. He featured in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career, becoming a recognizable face in Hollywood.
Personal and Family Life
Edgar Buchanan was born on March 20, 1903, in Humansville, Missouri. He grew up in Oregon after moving there at the age of seven. Buchanan initially pursued a career in dentistry, following his father’s path, before he turned to acting at the age of 36. He married Mildred Marguerite Spence in 1928, and together they had one child.
Career
Buchanan began his acting career in the late 1930s after joining the Pasadena Community Playhouse. He made his film debut in 1939 and quickly gained fame due to his chubby face and gravelly voice. He is well-remembered for his television roles, especially in Petticoat Junction and The Andy Griffith Show, which showcased his comedic talents alongside his film appearances.
Death and Legacy
Edgar Buchanan died on April 4, 1979, in Palm Desert, California, after suffering a stroke complicated by pneumonia. His contributions to film and television have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as one of the classic character actors of his time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Shane | 1953-04-23 | Fred Lewis |
| Move Over, Darling | 1963-12-19 | Judge Bryson |
| Human Desire | 1954-08-05 | Alec Simmons |
| The Comancheros | 1961-12-16 | Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus Jackson Breen |
| Abilene Town | 1946-01-11 | Sheriff Bravo Trimble |
| Benji | 1974-10-17 | Bill |
| The Talk of the Town | 1942-08-20 | Sam Yates |
| Ride the High Country | 1962-06-20 | Judge Tolliver |
| The Big Trees | 1952-02-05 | Walter ‘Yukon’ Burns |
| Petticoat Junction | 1963-09-24 | Uncle Joe Carson |