John Brown was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Strangers on a Train, Robot Monster, and Hans Christian Andersen. He was born on April 4, 1904, in Hull, Yorkshire, England, and passed away on May 16, 1957, in West Hollywood, California, USA.
Personal and Family Life
Not much is publicly known about John Brown’s personal and family life. He was married at some point, but further details about his spouse remain unclear. He had an extensive career in radio and television, where he became a familiar voice and face to many audiences.
Career Highlights
John Brown was recognized for his work in both film and radio. He played memorable roles such as Gillis, Chester A. Riley’s neighbor on “The Life of Riley,” and the friendly undertaker Digby “Digger” O’Dell. He also lent his voice to characters in various radio shows, including as “Al” on “My Friend Irma,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Death and Legacy
John Brown died on May 16, 1957, due to a heart attack. His contributions to radio and film left a lasting impact, and he is remembered fondly by fans of classic television and cinema. His roles, especially in beloved shows, have ensured that his work continues to be appreciated.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hans Christian Andersen | 1952-12-19 | Schoolmaster |
| The Horn Blows at Midnight | 1945-04-28 | Lou the waiter (uncredited) |
| The Life of Riley | 1949-04-16 | Digger O’Dell |
| A Peach of a Pair | 1934-12-29 | John |
| Symphony in Slang | 1951-06-16 | The Hipster / Noah Webster (voice) (uncredited) |
| Robot Monster | 1953-06-25 | Ro-Man / Great Guidance (voice) |
| Man Crazy | 1953-12-02 | Mr. Duncan |
| The Day the Earth Stood Still | 1951-09-28 | George Barley, boarder |
| Dixieland Droopy | 1954-12-04 | Narrator / Pee Wee Runt (voice) (uncredited) |
| Strangers on a Train | 1951-06-27 | Prof. Collins |
| Jennifer | 1953-10-25 | Service Station Attendant (uncredited) |
| The Wild One | 1953-12-30 | Bill Hannegan |
| Crazylegs | 1953-11-15 | Keller |
| The Bigamist | 1953-12-03 | |
| The Stranger | 1946-07-02 | Passport Photographer (uncredited) |
| I Love Lucy | 1951-10-15 | Mr. Murdoch |
| Schlitz Playhouse of Stars | 1951-10-05 |