Franklin Pangborn

Franklin Pangborn was an American actor known for his comedic roles in films like The Bank Dick, My Man Godfrey, and Now, Voyager.

Personal and Family Life

Franklin Pangborn was born on January 23, 1889, in Newark, New Jersey. He had a challenging start in his acting career, as his parents disapproved of his first role in a play. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he was wounded, but continued to pursue his passion for acting after the war.

Career

Pangborn made his stage debut in 1911 and transitioned to films in the silent era. He found success in comedic roles, particularly in short films during the 1930s and ’40s, becoming known for his humorously prissy characters. He had a talent for portraying characters that were uptight yet ultimately comical, often reflecting the societal anxieties of his time.

Death and Legacy

Franklin Pangborn passed away on July 20, 1958, in Santa Monica, California, following surgery for a malignant tumor. His legacy endures through his memorable performances in classic comedies, and he is celebrated as a distinctive figure in American film history.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Bank Dick 1940-11-29 J. Pinkerton Snoopington
A Star Is Born 1937-04-27 Billy Moon (uncredited)
The Sin of Harold Diddlebock 1947-04-04 Formfit Franklin
King Kelly of the U.S.A. 1934-09-15 J. Ashton Brockton
My Dream Is Yours 1949-04-15 Sourpuss Manager
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town 1936-04-09 The Tailor (uncredited)
Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife 1938-03-25 Assistant Hotel Manager
The Palm Beach Story 1942-08-28 Manager
Now, Voyager 1942-10-22 Mr. Thompson
Christmas in July 1940-10-25 Radio Announcer
George Washington Slept Here 1942-10-30 Mr. Gibney
Never Give a Sucker an Even Break 1941-10-10 The Producer
The Great Moment 1944-07-18 Dr. Heywood
Hail the Conquering Hero 1944-08-09 Reception Committee Chairman
Carefree 1938-09-02 Roland Hunter
Just Around the Corner 1938-11-11 Waters
The Story of Mankind 1957-11-08 Marquis de Varennes
The Flame of New Orleans 1941-07-07 Bellows
Romance on the High Seas 1948-06-25 Rio Hotel Clerk
Stage Door 1937-10-08 Harcourt
The Captain Hits the Ceiling 1935-07-09 Jimmy Martin
Sullivan’s Travels 1941-11-30 Mr. Casalsis
The Mandarin Mystery 1936-12-23 Mellish
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm 1938-03-18 Hamilton Montmarcy
The Horn Blows at Midnight 1945-04-28 Radio Engineer / Sloan
Four’s a Crowd 1938-08-04 Preston
Easy Living 1937-07-16 Van Buren
Topper Takes a Trip 1938-12-29 Louis – Hotel Manager
Hollywood and Vine 1945-04-25 Reggie
Design for Living 1933-12-29 Mr. Douglas
Reveille with Beverly 1943-02-04 Vernon Lewis (uncredited)
The Half-Naked Truth 1932-12-16 Hotel Clerk
Cockeyed Cavaliers 1934-06-29 Town Crier
Always Goodbye 1938-06-24 Bicycle Salesman
Swing High, Swing Low 1937-03-12 Henri
Blue of the Night 1931-09-13 Gilbert Sinclair
I’ll Be Yours 1947-02-02 Barber
Broadway Serenade 1939-04-07 Gene, Collier’s Composer
A Fool’s Advice 1932-02-20 Egbert – Hotel Clerk
Her Man 1930-09-21 Sport
Danger – Love at Work

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