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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
The Bank Dick1940-11-29J. Pinkerton Snoopington
A Star Is Born1937-04-27Billy Moon (uncredited)
The Sin of Harold Diddlebock1947-04-04Formfit Franklin
King Kelly of the U.S.A.1934-09-15J. Ashton Brockton
My Dream Is Yours1949-04-15Sourpuss Manager
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town1936-04-09The Tailor (uncredited)
Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife1938-03-25Assistant Hotel Manager
The Palm Beach Story1942-08-28Manager
Now, Voyager1942-10-22Mr. Thompson
Christmas in July1940-10-25Radio Announcer
George Washington Slept Here1942-10-30Mr. Gibney
Never Give a Sucker an Even Break1941-10-10The Producer
The Great Moment1944-07-18Dr. Heywood
Hail the Conquering Hero1944-08-09Reception Committee Chairman
Carefree1938-09-02Roland Hunter
Just Around the Corner1938-11-11Waters
The Story of Mankind1957-11-08Marquis de Varennes
The Flame of New Orleans1941-07-07Bellows
Romance on the High Seas1948-06-25Rio Hotel Clerk
Stage Door1937-10-08Harcourt
The Captain Hits the Ceiling1935-07-09Jimmy Martin
Sullivan’s Travels1941-11-30Mr. Casalsis
The Mandarin Mystery1936-12-23Mellish
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm1938-03-18Hamilton Montmarcy
The Horn Blows at Midnight1945-04-28Radio Engineer / Sloan
Four’s a Crowd1938-08-04Preston
Easy Living1937-07-16Van Buren
Topper Takes a Trip1938-12-29Louis – Hotel Manager
Hollywood and Vine1945-04-25Reggie
Design for Living1933-12-29Mr. Douglas
Reveille with Beverly1943-02-04Vernon Lewis (uncredited)
The Half-Naked Truth1932-12-16Hotel Clerk
Cockeyed Cavaliers1934-06-29Town Crier
Always Goodbye1938-06-24Bicycle Salesman
Swing High, Swing Low1937-03-12Henri
Blue of the Night1931-09-13Gilbert Sinclair
I’ll Be Yours1947-02-02Barber
Broadway Serenade1939-04-07Gene, Collier’s Composer
A Fool’s Advice1932-02-20Egbert – Hotel Clerk
Her Man1930-09-21Sport
Danger – Love at Work

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