Paul Birch, born Paul Lowery Smith, was an American actor. He is best known for his roles in films such as Not of This Earth, Rebel Without a Cause, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
Personal and Family Life
Paul Birch was born on January 13, 1912, in Atmore, Alabama. He was married twice; firstly to Margaret Evelyn Farish from 1932 to 1941, with whom he had one child, and then to Betsy Ann Ross from 1943 until his death in 1969. Birch had three children with Betsy.
Career
Birch had a successful acting career, featuring in 39 movies and numerous television shows. He became well-known for various roles including the original “Marlboro Man” in commercials and played both Union General U.S. Grant and Confederate General Robert E. Lee in historical programs. He started his career in small roles during the late 1940s and went on to achieve prominent roles in the film industry during the 1950s.
Death and Legacy
Paul Birch passed away on May 24, 1969, in St. George, Grenada, due to lymphosarcoma. He left behind a legacy of diverse performances in film and television, influencing many actors of his time. His grandson Matthew Luke is the Head of Media Management for Al Jazeera America.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rebel Without a Cause | 1955-10-27 | Police Lieutenant (uncredited) |
| The 27th Day | 1957-01-07 | Admiral |
| Not of This Earth | 1957-02-10 | Paul Johnson |
| The Beast with a Million Eyes | 1955-06-15 | Allan Kelley |
| Day the World Ended | 1955-12-01 | Jim Madison |