Fred Stone was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Wizard of Oz, Alice Adams, and The Westerner.
Personal and Family Life
Fred Stone was born Fred Andrew Stone on August 19, 1873, in Longmont, Colorado. He married actress Allene Crater in 1904, and they had three children together: Dorothy, Carol, and Paula. His family continued his legacy in the performing arts, with his daughters also becoming actresses. He was the uncle of Milburn Stone, who is famous for playing “Doc” Adams on the television show Gunsmoke.
Career
Fred’s career began at a young age when he joined a traveling circus after running away from home at 11. He gained fame as the Scarecrow in the musical version of The Wizard of Oz from 1903 to 1911, performing alongside David Craig Montgomery. After Montgomery’s death in 1917, Fred continued to perform both on stage and in films, with notable movies including Alice Adams and The Westerner. His prowess in various entertainment forms made him a celebrated performer during his time.
Death and Legacy
Fred Stone passed away on March 6, 1959, in North Hollywood, California, at the age of 85. He had been suffering from health issues, including blindness and heart trouble, in his later years. Despite being less recognized today, his contributions to theater and film, as well as the influence he had on future generations of performers, remain significant. A biography focusing on his life was published in 2002, shedding light on his once-brilliant career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Westerner | 1940-09-18 | Caliphet Mathews |
| Alice Adams | 1935-08-23 | Virgil Adams |
| The Trail of the Lonesome Pine | 1936-03-13 | Judd Tolliver |
| My American Wife | 1936-08-06 | Lafe Cantillon |
| Grand Jury | 1936-08-07 | George Taylor |
| No Place to Go | 1939-09-23 | Andrew L. Plummer |
| Life Begins in College | 1937-10-01 | Coach Tim O’Hara |
| Quick Money | 1937-12-10 | Mayor Jonas Tompkins |
| Hideaway | 1937-08-13 | Frankie Peterson |
| Under the Top | 1919-01-04 | Jimmie Jones |
| Konga, the Wild Stallion | 1939-08-30 | Yance Calhoun |
| The Farmer in the Dell | 1936-03-27 | Pa Boyer |
| Johnny Get Your Gun | 1919-03-09 | Johnny Wiggins |
| The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll | 1960-10-24 | Cabinet Minister (uncredited) |