Ed Begley

Biography

Edward James Begley, Sr. (March 25, 1901 – April 28, 1970) was an American actor. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Begley began his career as radio actor while in his teens. He later acted in roles as Sgt. O'Hara in the radio show The Fat Man. Begley then progressed to Broadway. His radio work included a stint as Charlie Chan and Stroke of Fate amongst other roles. He also starred in the 1950s radio program Richard Diamond, Private Detective, playing Lieutenant Walter Levinson, head of homicide at the 5th Precinct, Manhattan. In the late 1940s, he began appearing regularly in supporting roles in films. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sweet Bird of Youth (1962). Some of his other notable films include 12 Angry Men (1957) and The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). He also worked extensively in television, appearing in guest roles in such programs as Bonanza, The Fugitive, and Target: The Corruptors!. In the 1952-1953 season, he co-starred with Eddie Albert in the CBS sitcom, Leave It to Larry. Begley though only five years older than Albert played the father-in-law and employer of Albert's character, Larry Tucker, a shoe salesman, who with his young family lives with Begley. Begley married three times. He is the father of the actor and environmental advocate Ed Begley, Jr. He died of a heart attack in Hollywood, California. He is buried at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.