Fred Kelsey was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “On Trial” (1928), “The Lone Wolf Strikes” (1940), and “Red-Haired Alibi” (1932). He had a long career, featuring in over 200 films and TV shows and even directing some projects.
Personal and Family Life
Fred Kelsey was born on August 20, 1884, in Sandusky, Ohio. He married Katherine Miller on July 1, 1912, and they had two children together, Robert Miller Kelsey and William Austin Kelsey. Fred enjoyed a successful acting career, with a focus on comedic roles, particularly as bumbling detectives.
Death and Legacy
Fred Kelsey passed away on September 2, 1961, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy as a versatile character actor, known for his memorable performances in both silent films and talkies. His influence was so great that he even inspired some cartoon characters.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| One Frightened Night | 1935-05-01 | Sheriff Jenks |
| Hans Christian Andersen | 1952-12-19 | First Gendarme |
| Jewish Prudence | 1927-05-27 | Rent Collector |
| The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance | 1941-03-06 | Detective Dickens |
| If a Body Meets a Body | 1945-08-30 | Detective |
| Murder in the Big House | 1942-04-11 | “Screw” |
| Super-Sleuth | 1937-07-16 | Jailer |
| My Favorite Blonde | 1942-04-02 | Sam – Policeman |
| The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case | 1930-08-08 | Chief of Detectives (uncredited) |
| Murder on the Waterfront | 1943-09-18 | Capt. Beal |