George Dunn (born Ollen George Dunn, November 23, 1914 – April 27, 1982) was an American actor, humorist, vaudeville performer, and satirist born in Brownwood, Texas. He often portrayed Western characters in film and television. His homespun wit, rope tricks, and satirizing of American life, politics, and sports reflected the strong influence Will Rogers had on him as an entertainer.
Career Dunn made his way to New York City to perform in vaudeville. From there, he went on to Hollywood, where he appeared in twenty five motion pictures and more than one hundred television shows. Some of his appearances were uncredited bit parts.
Dunn predominantly appeared in minor supporting roles during his television and film career. One of his major roles was "The Prophet" in Operation Petticoat, alongside Tony Curtis and Gavin MacLeod. Dunn also appeared in several other well-known films, including Giant, Inherit the Wind, The Long, Hot Summer, The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm, and Shenandoah. In another phase of his career, he appeared in a number of John Cassavetes films, including Faces and A Woman Under the Influence. Like John Wayne's, Dunn's final role was in The Shootist. In addition to his film work, Dunn appeared in many popular television shows throughout the mid '50s, '60s, and '70s, such as The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Favorite Martian, and Starsky and Hutch. He also appeared in the Off-Broadway production of The Rainmaker in 1954.
George Dunn had a career that spanned multiple decades during which he traveled extensively, visiting a total of 95 countries. He later drew on these experiences in after-dinner speaking engagements.
Death Dunn died on April 27, 1982 at West Hills Hospital in Los Angeles, California after a long illness. He was 67 years old.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes and references1953 How to Marry a Millionaire Mike - Elevator Operator 1955 Prince of Players Doorman Daddy Long Legs Chauffeur Good Morning, Miss Dove Bert, the Janitor Uncredited1956 The Lieutenant Wore Skirts Base mail clerk Uncredited Ransom! Bank clerk UncreditedAlternative title: Fearful Decision Away All Boats Gilbert Hubert Giant Vern Decker 1957 The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm George Joe Dakota Jim Baldwin 1958 The Long, Hot SummerPeabody 1959 Operation Petticoat The Prophet1960 Wake Me When It's Over Staff Photographer Uncredited Inherit the Wind Banker - Critic at City Meeting Uncredited 1962 The Silent Witness 1965 Baby the Rain Must Fall Counterman 1968 Faces Comedian 1969 The Good Guys and the Bad Guys Engineer #1 1971 The Beguiled Sam Jefferson1973 Stand Up and Be Counted Policeman Uncredited The Severed Arm Harry the Janitor 1974 A Woman Under the Influence Garson Cross Television Year Title Role Notes and references 1958 The Adventures of Jim Bowie Davy Crockett Episode "A Night in Tennessee" 1958-1959 Cimarron City Jesse Williams Main cast member1959 The Detectives Starring Robert Taylor Sooky 1 episode The Alaskans Stampede Pete 1 episode 1960 Harrigan and Son Detective 1 episode 1960–1961 The Andy Griffith Show Pete 3 episodes1961 My Three Sons Listener 1 episode The Aquanauts Chuck 1 episode Ben Casey 1 episode 1961–1971 Bonanza Drunk #2Andy 2 episodes1962 Ripcord John Chapman 1 episode Lawman 1 episode The Virginian Biggs 1 episode 1962–1963 The Lloyd Bridges Show Leo 2 episodes1963 The Great Adventure Farmer 1 episode Wagon Train Jones 1 episode 1964 My Favorite Martian Mr. Edgar Graham 1 episode 1965 Camp Runamuck The Sheriff Main cast member 1967 Stranger on the Run Pilney Television movieAlternative title: Lonesome Gun 1968 Felony Squad Watchman 1 episode1969 The Beverly Hillbillies Bailiff 1 episode Adam-12 Danny Bryant 1 episode 1970 The Doris Day Show Hillbilly Episode "The Duke Returns" 1972 Mannix Customer 1 episode 1976 Starsky and Hutch Officer O' Keefe 1 episode1978 The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries Bellman 1 episode Kate Bliss and the Ticker Tape Kid Jim Haggerty Television movie 1980 The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo Fire chief 1 episode, (final appearance)
References
George Dunn Filmography
External links