Freddie Mercer was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Gildersleeve’s Bad Day,” “The Great Gildersleeve,” and “Going My Way.” He was born Harrison Mercer on March 6, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away on February 5, 1978, in Michigan, USA.
Personal and Family Life
Freddie Mercer showed his musical talent early, becoming a noted singer in Detroit and a soloist for the Detroit Symphony at just nine years old. He also performed as a soloist at St. Paul’s Cathedral. His family background and personal life details are less well-documented, but his passion for music and performance was evident from a young age.
Career
Mercer’s film career began in Hollywood in 1940 when he was invited to sing at the National Music Conference. He gained attention from a sponsor of the Turnabout Theatre, leading to his casting in a circus show. His notable debut came in 1942 when he was signed by 20th Century Fox for the film “On the Sunnyside,” acting alongside Roddy McDowall.
Death and Legacy
Freddie Mercer’s promising career was cut short in 1944 for reasons that remain unknown. He died on February 5, 1978, in Michigan. Despite the early end to his career, his contributions to film and music have not been forgotten, and he is remembered for his roles in classic films of the era.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gildersleeve on Broadway | 1943-10-28 | Leroy Forrester |
| The Great Gildersleeve | 1942-12-17 | Leroy Forrester |
| Gildersleeve’s Ghost | 1944-06-01 | Leroy Forrester |
| Gildersleeve’s Bad Day | 1943-05-10 | Leroy Forrester |
| Five Little Peppers in Trouble | 1940-09-01 | Tim |
| This Land Is Mine | 1943-05-07 | Boy in Classroom |
| Shadows on the Sage | 1942-08-24 | Johnny Jackson |
| On the Sunny Side | 1942-02-13 | Don Andrews |
| The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe | 1942-08-28 | Poe, age 12 |
| The Major and the Minor | 1942-09-16 | Wilbur (uncredited) |
| My Gal Loves Music | 1944-12-01 | Clarence |
| One Foot in Heaven | 1941-11-01 | Choir Member (uncredited) |
| Tender Comrade | 1944-05-30 | Boy (uncredited) |
| Going My Way | 1944-05-15 | Boys Choir Member (uncredited) |