Social Entertainment / People

Jack Elam

Acting · Born November 13, 1920 · Miami, Gila, Arizona, USA

Colorful American character actor equally adept at vicious killers or grizzled sidekicks. As a child he worked in the cotton fields. He attended Santa Monica Junior College in California and subsequently became an accountant and, at one time, manager of the Bel Air Hotel. Elam got his first movie job by trading his accounting services for a role. In short time he became one of the most memorable supporting players in Hollywood, thanks not only to his near-demented screen persona but also to an out-of-kilter left eye, sightless from a childhood fight. He appeared with great aplomb in Westerns and gangster films alike, and in later years played to wonderful effect in comedic roles.

Movies with Jack Elam

• Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) — Frank's Gunman
• High Noon (1952) — Charlie - Drunk in Jail (uncredited)
• The Cannonball Run (1981) — Doctor
• Cannonball Run II (1984) — Doc
• Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) — Tom McLowery
• Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) — Alamosa Bill Kermit
• Hannie Caulder (1971) — Frank Clemens
• Rio Lobo (1970) — Phillips
• The Man from Laramie (1955) — Chris Boldt
• Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) — Jake
• Suburban Commando (1991) — Col. Dustin 'Dusty' McHowell
• Kiss Me Deadly (1955) — Charlie Max

TV shows with Jack Elam

• The Dakotas (1963) — Deputy J.D. Smith
• Temple Houston (1963) — George Taggart
• Black Beauty (1978) — Jonas McBride
• Easy Street (1986)
• Struck by Lightning (1979) — Frank