Ethan Laidlaw was an American actor who is best known for his roles in numerous Western films and television series. He made a significant mark as a minor character actor, particularly in tough guy roles.
Personal and Family Life
Ethan Laidlaw was born on November 25, 1899, in Butte, Montana. He had two marriages; his first wife was Mildred A. Carter from 1922 until her death in 1947. He later married Mabelle Anne Ward in 1948, who remained his spouse until his passing in 1963. Laidlaw’s parents were Charles and Nellie Laidlaw.
Career
Laidlaw worked various jobs before becoming an actor, including steam fitter, bus driver, policeman, and salesman. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1920s, where his tall and lean appearance suited him well for gangster and Western films. Although he frequently played minor roles, he remained active in the industry for nearly four decades, appearing in both films and television shows, especially during the rise of Westerns in the 1950s.
Death and Legacy
Ethan Laidlaw passed away on May 25, 1963, from a heart attack in Hollywood, California. Throughout his career, he made almost 450 film appearances and approximately 400 television appearances, becoming a familiar face in the Western genre. His dedication to acting and the many characters he portrayed left a lasting impression on the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pirate Treasure | 1934-01-29 | Curt |
| Rhythm of the Saddle | 1938-11-06 | Tex Robinson |
| The Tip-Off | 1931-10-16 | Henchman |
| Racket Busters | 1938-07-16 | Martin’s Henchman (uncredited) |
| Parole Girl | 1933-03-04 | Guard |
| Yellow Dust | 1936-03-12 | Henchman Bogan |
| Special Investigator | 1936-05-08 | Larring |
| The Expert | 1932-03-05 | Policeman |
| Dick Tracy’s G-Men | 1939-09-02 | Pete |
| Two in Revolt | 1936-04-03 | Bill Donlan |
| Mummy’s Boys | 1936-10-02 | Peters – a Sailor |
| To Kill a Mockingbird | 1962-12-20 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Two-Fisted Sheriff | 1937-06-14 | Henchman Burke |