Tom Dugan was an American actor who is best known for To Be or Not to Be, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, and Lights of New York.
Personal and Family Life
Tom Dugan was born on January 1, 1889, in Dublin, Ireland. His family later moved to Philadelphia, where he attended high school. He was the son of Mary Doran and Thomas Dugan and had a passion for music, which led him to pursue a career in show business. Dugan married Marie Raymond in 1925, and they remained together until his death in 1955.
Career
Dugan began his acting career in 1927 and gained fame for his role in the film Lights of New York (1928), which was the first feature film with all synchronous dialogue. He was known for his raspy voice and often portrayed comedic characters, notably Irish cops and cab drivers. He gained significant recognition for his role in Ernst Lubitsch’s To Be or Not to Be (1942) and appeared in numerous films over his active years.
Death and Legacy
Tom Dugan passed away on March 7, 1955, in a road accident in Redlands, California, at the age of 66. His extensive filmography includes over 260 films, showcasing his versatility and talent throughout the years. Dugan is remembered as a prolific character actor in American cinema, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Studio 57 | TV Series |
| 1955 | Crashout | Ed – Bartender |
| 1954 | The Lone Wolf | TV Series – Hotel Manager |
| 1954 | Topper | TV Series – Woodhead |
| 1954 | It’s a Great Life | TV Series – Mr. Jones |
| 1954 | Robert Montgomery Presents | TV Series |
| 1954 | The Mickey Rooney Show | TV Series – Louie |
| 1954 | Public Defender | TV Series – Bartender |
| 1953 | Girls in the Night | Clancy (uncredited) |
| 1952 | Off Limits | Bartender (uncredited) |
| 1952 | The Story of Will Rogers | Panhandling Friend (uncredited) |
| 1952 | The Winning Team | Cigar Stand Owner (uncredited) |
| 1952 | Just Across the Street | Man with Boy (uncredited) |
| 1952 | The Belle of New York | With Wedding Gift of Stolen Silver (uncredited) |
| 1952 | All Star Revue | TV Series – Guest Actor |