Wallace Ford

Born:February 11, 1898

Place of Birth:Bolton, Lancashire, England, UK

Died:June 11, 1966

Known For:Acting

Biography

Wallace Ford, born Samuel Jones Grundy in Bolton, Lancashire, England, embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become a beloved figure in American stage and screen. Despite facing hardships in his early years, Ford's resilient spirit and talent propelled him towards a successful acting career that spanned decades.

After a challenging childhood in a Dr. Barnardo's home and enduring mistreatment in Canada, Ford's determination shone through as he pursued various odd jobs before finding his passion for acting. His experience as an usher in a theatre sparked his interest in the performing arts, setting him on a path towards a future in entertainment.

Following his service in World War I, Ford's transition into vaudeville and later Broadway showcased his versatility as a performer. His tough yet affable on-screen persona, coupled with a stocky physique, made him a memorable presence in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema.

Making his film debut in "Possessed" (1931) with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Ford's career flourished as he went on to appear in over 200 films, leaving a lasting impact on audiences with his portrayal of wise-cracking characters. Collaborating with esteemed director John Ford on multiple occasions further solidified his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.

Despite his significant contributions to the entertainment industry, Wallace Ford's final resting place in an unmarked grave in Culver City, California's Holy Cross Cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the often overlooked struggles faced by many talented individuals in Hollywood. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his compelling performances.

Wallace Ford's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a respected figure in American cinema exemplifies the resilience and passion that defined his career. His ability to infuse his characters with a blend of toughness and warmth endeared him to audiences, solidifying his status as a memorable presence in classic films. Despite the passage of time, Ford's contributions to the world of entertainment continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and critics alike.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Spellbound

Hotel masher

1945

When Dr. Anthony Edwardes arrives at a Vermont mental hospital to replace the outgoing hospital director, Dr. Constance Peterson, a psychoanalyst, discovers Edwardes is actually an impostor. The man confesses that the real Dr. Edwardes is dead and fears he may have killed him, but cannot recall anything. Dr. Peterson, however is convinced his impostor is innocent of the man's murder, and joins him on a quest to unravel his amnesia through psychoanalysis.

Harvey

The Taxi Driver

1950

The story of Elwood P. Dowd who makes friends with a spirit taking the form of a human-sized rabbit named Harvey that only he sees (and a few privileged others on occasion also.) After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for a family mending its wounds and for romance blossoming in unexpected places.

Shadow of a Doubt

Fred Saunders

1943

Just when Charlie is feeling especially frustrated by the lack of excitement in her small town in California, she receives wonderful news: Her uncle and namesake, Charlie, is coming to visit. However, as secrets about him come to the fore, her admiration turns into suspicion.

Dead Reckoning

McGee

1946

War heroes Rip Murdock and Johnny Drake are sent to Washington, D.C, to receive top honors for their service. Johnny, seemingly terrified by the publicity that awaits him, jumps off the train and later turns up dead. Suspecting foul play, Rip begins digging into his pal's past. He encounters cover-ups, threats to his own life and deadly femme fatale Coral Chandler.