Paul Ford was an American actor known for his roles in The Teahouse of the August Moon, The Music Man, and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. He gained fame in television and film after a successful stage career, often portraying gruff and comedic characters.
Personal and Family Life
Paul Ford was born Paul Ford Weaver on November 2, 1901, in Baltimore, Maryland. He dropped out of Dartmouth College and worked as a salesman during the Great Depression. Married to Nell Britton Campbell, he had five children. He discovered his passion for acting in his early 40s, after initially finding success in puppetry.
Career
Ford began his acting career on stage and made his Broadway debut during the 1940s. He became well-known for his role in The Teahouse of the August Moon, which earned him a Tony Award. Transitioning to film, he played memorable characters in movies like The Music Man and The Matchmaker. His breakthrough role in television came in The Phil Silvers Show, where he played Colonel Hall, earning multiple Emmy nominations.
Death and Legacy
Paul Ford passed away on April 12, 1976, in Mineola, New York, due to heart failure. He was unable to reprise his role in Grease before his death. Ford left behind a significant legacy, celebrated for his unique comedic style and memorable characters in later stages of his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World | 1963-11-07 | Col. Wilberforce |
| The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! | 1966-05-25 | Fendall Hawkins |
| The Music Man | 1962-06-19 | Mayor George Shinn |
| The Matchmaker | 1958-07-23 | Horace Vandergelder |
| A Big Hand for the Little Lady | 1966-06-08 | C.P. Ballinger |
| The Teahouse of the August Moon | 1956-07-01 | Wainwright Purdy III |
| Advise & Consent | 1962-06-06 | Senator Stanley Danta |
| Lust for Gold | 1949-06-10 | Sheriff Lynn Early |
| Never Too Late | 1965-11-04 | Harry Lambert |
| Richard | 1972-07-31 | Washington Doctor |