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)