Born: June 19, 1877 – Died: August 30, 1961
Charles Coburn, a distinguished character actor, graced the film industry with his unique presence and unforgettable roles. Born in Macon, Georgia, USA, Coburn's journey in acting began on the stages of Broadway, where he and his first wife formed the Coburn Players. His charm and distinct Old South manners became his signature style, capturing the hearts of audiences. Coburn's significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood post his wife's death in 1937, are marked by his charismatic performances and a distinctive monocle, an essential part of his persona.
Early Life and Career
Coburn's first significant venture into the world of acting was through the Coburn Players, a Broadway troupe he formed with his wife in 1918. This period marked the beginning of his long and illustrious career in theatre.
In 1937, following the death of his wife, Coburn made a significant career shift to Hollywood, starting in film at the age of sixty. This late start in the film industry did not hinder his success; instead, it marked the beginning of a new era for the actor.
Coburn's breakthrough role came with the film "The Lady Eve" in 1941, where he played 'Colonel' Harrington. It showcased his talent for combining charm with a comedic edge, winning him critical acclaim and a wider audience. His performance in "The More the Merrier" (1943) as Benjamin Dingle further cemented his place in Hollywood, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Throughout his career, Coburn won numerous accolades, including an Oscar, for his roles in various films. His other memorable performances include Sir Francis 'Piggy' Beekman in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) and Mr. Oliver Oxley in "Monkey Business" (1952). Coburn's ability to bring depth and humor to his characters made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.
Off the screen, Coburn was married to Winifred Jean Clements Natzka from 1959 until his death in 1961, with whom he had one child. Coburn's unique talent for bringing characters to life, combined with his charming screen presence, made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
In summary, Charles Coburn's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry was profound. He was a late bloomer in the film industry, yet he quickly established himself as a versatile and respected actor. His distinguished presence, marked by his iconic monocle and impeccable timing, made him an unforgettable figure in cinema. Coburn's legacy is a testament to his enduring appeal and the lasting impression he left on Hollywood and its audiences.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | The Best of the Post (TV Series) | John Conant |
| 1960 | Pepe | Charles Coburn |
| 1959 | Startime (TV Series) | Colonel Sykes |
| 1959 | John Paul Jones | Benjamin Franklin |
| 1959 | The Danny Thomas Show (TV Series) | John Malloy |
| 1959 | A Stranger in My Arms | Vance Beasley |
| 1959 | The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker | Grampa Pennypacker |
| 1958 | This Is Alice (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | The Bob Cummings Show (TV Series) | Charles Coburn | Sir Humphrey Mallard |
| 1957 | The Story of Mankind | Hippocrates |
| 1957 | How to Murder a Rich Uncle | Uncle George |
| 1957 | Town on Trial | Dr. John Fenner |
| 1956 | Strange Stories (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Chevron Hall of Stars (TV Series) | Bill Compton |
| 1956 | Ethel Barrymore Theater (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Around the World in 80 Days | Steamship Company Hong Kong Clerk |
| 1956 | The Power and the Prize | Guy Eliot |
| 1953–1956 | The Ford Television Theatre (TV Series) | Christopher Kagle | Uncle Henry | C.C. Cunningham ... |
| 1956 | Kraft Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Damon Runyon Theater (TV Series) | Harvard |
| 1956 | The Red Skelton Hour (TV Series) | The Hobo Professor |
| 1956 | Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre (TV Series) | Dr. Cutler |
| 1955–1956 | The Star and the Story (TV Series) | Tom Carey | Daddles |
| 1955 | December Bride (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | How to Be Very, Very Popular | Dr. Tweed |
| 1955 | Your Play Time (TV Series) | Theodore J. Gulch |
| 1955 | Justice (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | Studio 57 (TV Series) | Theodore J. Gulch |
| 1955 | The Eddie Cantor Comedy Theater (TV Series) | The Colonel |
| 1954 | Country Doctor (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1954 | Studio One (TV Series) | Louis Hurst |
| 1954 | The United States Steel Hour (TV Series) | Judge Purdy |
| 1954 | The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1954 | The Best of Broadway (TV Series) | Oscar Wolfe |
| 1954 | Center Stage (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1954 | The Long Wait | Gardiner |
| 1954 | The Rocket Man | Mayor Ed Johnson |
| 1953 | Lux Video Theatre (TV Series) | Pa Harrington |
| 1953 | Willys Theatre Presenting Ben Hecht's Tales of the City (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Sir Francis 'Piggy' Beekman |
| 1953 | Trouble Along the Way | Father Burke |
| 1952 | Monkey Business | Mr. Oliver Oxley |
| 1952 | Has Anybody Seen My Gal | Samuel Fulton | John Smith |
| 1951 | The Highwayman | Lord Walters |
| 1950 | Mr. Music | Alex Conway |
| 1950 | Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (TV Series) | Grandpa Vanderhof |
| 1950 | Peggy | Professor 'Brooks' Brookfield |
| 1950 | Louisa | Mr. Burnside |
| 1949 | Everybody Does It | Major Blair |
| 1949 | The Gal Who Took the West | Gen. Michael O'Hara |
| 1949 | The Doctor and the Girl | Dr. John Corday |
| 1949 | Yes Sir, That's My Baby | Professor Jason Hartley |
| 1949 | Impact | Lt. Quincy |
| 1948 | Green Grass of Wyoming | Beaver Greenway |
| 1948 | B.F.'s Daughter | B.F. Fulton |
| 1947 | The Paradine Case | Sir Simon Flaquer |
| 1947 | Lured | Inspector Harley Temple |
| 1946 | The Green Years | Alexander Gow |
| 1946 | Colonel Effingham's Raid | Col. Will Seaborn Effingham |
| 1945 | Shady Lady | Col. John Appleby |
| 1945 | Over 21 | Robert Drexel Gow |
| 1945 | Rhapsody in Blue | Max Dreyfus |
| 1945 | A Royal Scandal | Chancellor Nicolai Ilyitch |
| 1944 | Together Again | Jonathan Crandall Sr |
| 1944 | The Impatient Years | William Smith |
| 1944 | Wilson | Professor Henry Holmes |
| 1944 | Knickerbocker Holiday | Peter Stuyvesant |
| 1943 | My Kingdom for a Cook | Rudyard Morley |
| 1943 | Princess O'Rourke | Holman |
| 1943 | Heaven Can Wait | Hugo Van Cleve |
| 1943 | The Constant Nymph | Charles Creighton |
| 1943 | The More the Merrier | Benjamin Dingle |
| 1943 | Forever and a Day | Sir William (scenes deleted) |
| 1942 | George Washington Slept Here | Stanley J. Menninger |
| 1942 | In This Our Life | William Fitzroy |
| 1942 | Kings Row | Dr. Henry Gordon |
| 1941 | H.M. Pulham, Esq. | Mr. Pulham Sr. |
| 1941 | Unexpected Uncle | Seton Mansley |
| 1941 | Our Wife | Professor Drake |
| 1941 | The Devil and Miss Jones | John P. Merrick |
| 1941 | The Lady Eve | 'Colonel' Harrington |
| 1940 | Three Faces West | Dr. Karl Braun |
| 1940 | The Captain Is a Lady | Captain Abe Peabody |
| 1940 | Florian | Dr. Johannes Hofer |
| 1940 | Edison, the Man | General Powell |
| 1940 | Road to Singapore | Joshua Mallon IV |
| 1939 | Stanley and Livingstone | Lord Tyce |
| 1939 | In Name Only | Mr. Walker |
| 1939 | Bachelor Mother | J. B. Merlin |
| 1939 | The Story of Alexander Graham Bell | Gardner Hubbard |
| 1939 | Made for Each Other | Judge Joseph M. Doolittle |
| 1939 | Idiot's Delight | Dr. Waldersee |
| 1938 | Lord Jeff | Captain Briggs |
| 1938 | Yellow Jack | Dr. Finlay |
| 1938 | Vivacious Lady | Peter Morgan, Sr. |
| 1938 | Of Human Hearts | Dr. Charles Shingle |
| 1935 | The People's Enemy | Judge Hays |
| 1933 | Boss Tweed (Short) | Boss Tweed |
General:
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