Reid Kilpatrick was an American actor who is best known for his roles as an announcer in numerous films, including “Divorce,” “Allotment Wives,” and “The Crowd Roars.” His distinctive voice made him a recognizable figure in broadcasting and film throughout the early to mid-20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Reid Kilpatrick was born on December 5, 1907, in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 22, he married Elinor Olst but later moved to Los Angeles, which led to the end of their marriage. He then married Frances, a co-ed 11 years younger than him, and they started their life together in California as he pursued his radio career.
Career
Kilpatrick began his career in radio in Detroit before transitioning to film. He appeared in various roles, primarily as an announcer, which became his signature style. Although he acted in a few films outside the announcer role, including “Divorce” and “Allotment Wives,” he was more prominently known for his voice work. He eventually retired from Hollywood in his early forties but continued to work in radio until his death.
Death and Legacy
Reid Kilpatrick passed away on August 11, 1983, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to radio and film, particularly as a voice actor, left a lasting impression in the industry, with many acknowledging his unique ability to enhance storytelling through his voice.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Crowd Roars | 1932-04-16 | Tote Board Announcer |
| Girls on Probation | 1938-10-22 | Police Broadcaster |
| They Made Me a Criminal | 1939-01-21 | Radio Sports Commentator (voice) (uncredited) |
| Women in the Wind | 1939-04-15 | Cleveland Announcer on Podium (uncredited) |
| Hell’s Kitchen | 1939-07-08 | Radio Announcer at Hockey Game (uncredited) |
| Indianapolis Speedway | 1939-08-05 | Announcer at Tote Board |
| The Roaring Twenties | 1939-10-28 | Announcer (uncredited) |
| Money to Loan | 1939-03-11 | Radio Broadcaster |
| Crime Doctor | 1943-06-22 | Prison Broadcaster |
| A Shot in the Dark | 1941-04-05 | Police Broadcaster (uncredited) |
| The Cowboy Quarterback | 1939-07-29 | Game Announcer |
| Steel Against the Sky | 1941-12-13 | Radio Announcer (uncredited) |
| A Fugitive from Justice | 1940-06-15 | Police Broadcaster (uncredited) |
| Joe Palooka in Fighting Mad | 1948-02-07 | Radio Announcer |
| Madame Spy | 1942-12-11 | Announcer |
| Highway West | 1941-08-07 | News Broadcaster (uncredited) |
| Dishonored Lady | 1947-05-16 | AP News Broadcaster |
| Allotment Wives | 1945-11-08 | Philip Van Brook |
| Divorce | 1945-08-18 | Dr. Andy Cole |
| In This Our Life | 1942-05-08 | Announcer (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Leather Pushers | 1940-09-13 | Ringside Commentator |
| The Scarlet Clue | 1945-05-11 | Mr. Chester, program announcer |
| The Male Animal | 1942-03-12 | Football Announcer (uncredited) |
| Missing Witnesses | 1937-12-11 | Radio Announcer (uncredited) |