William Edmunds

William Edmunds was an American actor who is best known for his roles in A Bell for Adano, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Lost Moment.

Personal and Family Life

Born Michael Pellegrino on January 1, 1885, in San Fele, Basilicata, Italy, he later moved to the United States. Despite his Italian roots, he was often cast in roles portraying various ethnicities, especially in darker or exotic roles.

Career Highlights

Edmunds gained notable recognition for his performance as Mr. Martini in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. He was a versatile actor, often appearing as characters from different backgrounds, including Spanish and Mexican roles. His career included work in both film and television, showcasing his ability to adapt to various character types.

Death and Legacy

William Edmunds passed away on December 7, 1981, in Los Angeles County, California. His contribution to cinema remains significant, particularly within the context of Italian-American representation in film during his era.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Mortal Storm 1940-06-20 Lehman
It’s a Wonderful Life 1946-12-20 Mr. Martini
Mr. & Mrs. Smith 1941-01-31 Proprietor Lucy’s
The Man I Love 1946-12-26 Uncle Tony Toresca
The Beast with Five Fingers 1947-02-08 Ingram’s Servant Antonio
The Caddy 1953-08-10 Caminello
Where There’s Life 1947-11-21 King Hubertus II
Strange Cargo 1940-03-01 Dock Watchman (uncredited)
Mr. Soft Touch 1949-07-28 Alex, Janitor (Uncredited)
The Lost Moment 1947-11-21 Vittorio
Girls Under 21 1940-11-15 Tony Mangione
The Big Sombrero 1949-04-19 Don Luis Alvarado
Knockout 1941-03-29 Louis Grinnelli
He Married His Wife 1940-01-19 Waiter
Shadow of Doubt 1935-02-15 Butler
Assignment in Brittany 1943-03-11 Plehec
That Hagen Girl 1947-11-01 Corey (uncredited)
Casablanca 1943-01-15 Second Contact Man at Rick’s (uncredited)
Nurse Edith Cavell 1939-08-31 Albert
Idiot’s Delight 1939-01-27 Dumptsy
The Rains Came 1939-09-15 Mr. Das
Everything Happens at Night 1939-12-22 Hotel Clerk
You, the People 1940-11-30 Louie, the Janitor
House of Frankenstein 1944-12-01 Fejos (uncredited)
Fixer Dugan 1939-04-21 Smiley
The Shop Around the Corner 1940-01-12 Waiter (uncredited)
The Mark of Zorro 1940-11-08 Peón Selling Cocks (uncredited)
The Great McGinty 1940-08-01 Professor – Election Official at Gymnasium (uncredited)
Escape 1940-11-01 White Swan Inn Waiter (uncredited)
Stranger on the Third Floor 1940-08-16 Gardener (uncredited)
Geronimo 1939-11-26 Scout
Swamp Fire 1946-09-06 Emile Ledoux
Know Your Money 1940-01-27 Samuel ‘The Dutchman’ Welker
Earthbound 1940-06-06 Chris
The Wife Takes a Flyer 1942-04-28 Gustav
Going Spanish 1934-03-01 Gaucho
Ringside 1949-07-14 Professor Berger
Paris Calling 1941-12-04 Prof. Marceau
The Well Groomed Bride 1946-05-17 Mr. Whortle
They Met in Bombay 1941-06-27 Hotel Barber (uncredited)
Background to Danger 1943-07-03 Waiter with Information
Edge of Darkness