Matt McHugh was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Freaks,” “Fra Diavolo,” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” He was born on January 22, 1894, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and passed away on February 22, 1971, in Northridge, Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Born Mathew O. McHugh, he grew up in a family involved in show business. His siblings included notable actors Frank and Kitty McHugh. Matt began performing on stage at a young age and was active in theater before transitioning to film.
Career Highlights
McHugh made his Broadway debut in “Street Scene” in 1929 and later moved to Hollywood, where he continued his acting career. He was known for playing rough-edged characters with a Brooklyn accent, often portraying cab drivers and bartenders. Over his career, he appeared in more than 200 films and had prominent roles in several popular comedies during the 1940s.
Death and Legacy
Matt McHugh died from a heart attack on February 22, 1971. His contributions to film, especially in character roles, made him a recognizable figure in the early Hollywood era, and he is remembered for his distinctive performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Smith Goes to Washington | 1939-10-19 | Reporter (uncredited) |
| Mannequin | 1938-01-21 | Mike (Uncredited) |
| Home Town Story | 1951-05-18 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| The Glass Key | 1935-06-15 | Puggy |
| Whispering Footsteps | 1943-12-30 | Cy Walsh, Boarder |
| Dancing Lady | 1933-11-24 | Marcia’s Agent (uncredited) |
| The Rage of Paris | 1938-06-09 | Department Head (uncredited) |
| Broadway Melody of 1938 | 1937-08-20 | Burt (uncredited) |
| Secret Command | 1944-07-30 | Curly |
| So You Won’t Squawk | 1941-02-21 | Louie the Wolf’s Henchman |
| His Ex Marks the Spot | 1940-12-13 | Radcliffe – the ex wife’s boyfriend |
| Arson, Inc. | 1949-06-24 | Hubbell |
| Murder on a Honeymoon | 1935-02-22 | Madden |
| Star Spangled Rhythm | 1942-03-05 | Man from Brooklyn (uncredited) |
| If You Could Only Cook | 1935-12-30 | Pete |
| Deadline for Murder | 1946-06-28 | Johnny |
| You, the People | 1940-11-30 | Albert ‘Bert’ / ‘Perky’ Perkins |