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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
The Mortal Storm1940-06-20Lehman
It’s a Wonderful Life1946-12-20Mr. Martini
Mr. & Mrs. Smith1941-01-31Proprietor Lucy’s
The Man I Love1946-12-26Uncle Tony Toresca
The Beast with Five Fingers1947-02-08Ingram’s Servant Antonio
The Caddy1953-08-10Caminello
Where There’s Life1947-11-21King Hubertus II
Strange Cargo1940-03-01Dock Watchman (uncredited)
Mr. Soft Touch1949-07-28Alex, Janitor (Uncredited)
The Lost Moment1947-11-21Vittorio
Girls Under 211940-11-15Tony Mangione
The Big Sombrero1949-04-19Don Luis Alvarado
Knockout1941-03-29Louis Grinnelli
He Married His Wife1940-01-19Waiter
Shadow of Doubt1935-02-15Butler
Assignment in Brittany1943-03-11Plehec
That Hagen Girl1947-11-01Corey (uncredited)
Casablanca1943-01-15Second Contact Man at Rick’s (uncredited)
Nurse Edith Cavell1939-08-31Albert
Idiot’s Delight1939-01-27Dumptsy
The Rains Came1939-09-15Mr. Das
Everything Happens at Night1939-12-22Hotel Clerk
You, the People1940-11-30Louie, the Janitor
House of Frankenstein1944-12-01Fejos (uncredited)
Fixer Dugan1939-04-21Smiley
The Shop Around the Corner1940-01-12Waiter (uncredited)
The Mark of Zorro1940-11-08Peón Selling Cocks (uncredited)
The Great McGinty1940-08-01Professor – Election Official at Gymnasium (uncredited)
Escape1940-11-01White Swan Inn Waiter (uncredited)
Stranger on the Third Floor1940-08-16Gardener (uncredited)
Geronimo1939-11-26Scout
Swamp Fire1946-09-06Emile Ledoux
Know Your Money1940-01-27Samuel ‘The Dutchman’ Welker
Earthbound1940-06-06Chris
The Wife Takes a Flyer1942-04-28Gustav
Going Spanish1934-03-01Gaucho
Ringside1949-07-14Professor Berger
Paris Calling1941-12-04Prof. Marceau
The Well Groomed Bride1946-05-17Mr. Whortle
They Met in Bombay1941-06-27Hotel Barber (uncredited)
Background to Danger1943-07-03Waiter with Information
Edge of Darkness