Ralph Dunn was an American actor known for his roles in “The Pajama Game,” “Bullets or Ballots,” and “The Grapes of Wrath.” He had a prolific career that spanned over three decades, performing in both film and theater.
Personal and Family Life
Ralph Dunn was born on May 23, 1900, in Titusville, Pennsylvania. He started his career in entertainment with a traveling vaudeville troupe before moving to Hollywood in 1935 to support his family after his father’s health declined. He had a brief marriage to Pat West, which ended in divorce.
Career Highlights
Throughout his more than 30 years in Hollywood, Dunn took on numerous roles as tough-guy characters like cops and criminals, thanks to his stocky build. He was active on stage as well, making notable appearances in Broadway productions like “The Moon Is Blue” and “The Pajama Game,” which he reprised in the 1957 film adaptation. His resume boasts over 300 credits across film and television.
Death and Legacy
Ralph Dunn passed away on February 19, 1968, in Flushing, New York. His contributions to both film and stage have left a lasting impact on the industries, with many remembering him for his unforgettable performances as a character actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Pajama Game | 1957-08-29 | Myron Hasler |
| Circumstantial Evidence | 1945-04-20 | Cleary, the Cop |
| The Golden Eye | 1948-08-29 | Jim Driscoll |
| Dark Mountain | 1944-09-01 | Chief Sanford |
| The Crowd Roars | 1932-04-16 | Racetrack Official |
| Tenth Avenue Kid | 1938-08-22 | Detective Egan |
| Train to Alcatraz | 1948-06-28 | U.S. Marshal Mark Stevens |
| Lady at Midnight | 1948-08-15 | Al Garrity |
| Who Done It? | 1949-03-03 | Leader of Phantom Gang |
| Mummy’s Dummies | 1948-11-04 | Rhadames |
| For Crimin’ Out Loud | 1956-05-03 | Baddie (archive footage) |
| Singing Guns | 1950-02-28 | Traveler |
| The Devil to Pay | 1960-11-09 | The Furnace Man |
| Genius at Work | 1946-10-20 | Lt. Gilley |
| The Patient in Room 18 | 1938-01-08 | Eldar Hotel Clerk (uncredited) |
| Too Many Winners | 1947-05-24 | Detective Peter Rafferty |
| The Lone Ranger Rides Again | 1939-02-25 | Bart Dolan |
| Next Time I Marry | 1938-12-09 | Kennel Guard |
| Fugitive in the Sky | 1936-11-28 | First Radio Announcer |
| Valiant Is the Word for Carrie | 1936-10-06 | G-Man |
| Garden of the Moon | 1938-09-23 | Fred – Hotel Detective (uncredited) |