Harry Cheshire

Harry V. Cheshire (August 16, 1891 – June 16, 1968), originally from Emporia, Kansas,[1] was an American character actor who appeared in over 100 films, mostly playing small roles.[2] He was also a stage actor[3] and performed on a St. Louis radio station's musical program.[1] He may be best known for playing Judge Ben Wiley on Buffalo Bill, Jr.[4]

Harry Cheshire
Cheshire in Impact (1949)
Born
Harry V. Cheshire

(1891-08-16)August 16, 1891
Emporia, Kansas, U.S.
DiedJune 16, 1968(1968-06-16) (aged 76)
Orange County, California, U.S.
Resting placeForest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills
OccupationActor
Years active1940–1964
Known forJudge Ben Wiley on
Buffalo Bill, Jr.
Judge Trager on Lawman
SpouseMyrtle Cheshire

Early career

Cheshire began his show business career in 1908, entertaining the audience between reels of short silent movies at the Old Nickelodeon Theater in Kansas City.[5] He was active in stage work with the Hi Jinks Company and Liberty Players acting troupes[6] during the 1920s and 1930s.[3]

He acquired the nickname Pappy after appearing as Pappy Cheshire with his Hilly Billy Band[1] on the St. Louis radio station KMOX.[7]

Film and television work

Cheshire's first film role was as Pappy Cheshire in the 1940 Republic Pictures' musical Barnyard Follies.[1] He was the minister who marries George Bailey (James Stewart) and Mary Hatch (Donna Reed) in It's a Wonderful Life, and played small-town judges in the westerns Sioux City Sue, The Fabulous Texan and Carbine Williams.[2] He played Doctor Gray in Adventures of Gallant Bess.[8] In 1955, during a two-week break from filming episodes of the television series Buffalo Bill, Jr., Cheshire was able to fit in a supporting role in the film Soldier of Fortune.[9]

In addition to playing judges in films, Cheshire also played characters following the same occupation on two television series. From 1955 - 1956 he was Judge "Fair and Square" Ben Wiley in the syndicated western television series, Buffalo Bill, Jr..[10] From 1958-1962 he was Judge Traeger in episodes of the Lawman.[2]

He guest starred in other television programs, including The Lone Ranger, Annie Oakley, The Gene Autry Show,[2] The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show,[3] I Love Lucy and The Red Skelton Show.[1]

One writer stated that Cheshire had the ability "to appear genial and grumpy at the same time."[2]

Personal life

Harry Cheshire was married to Myrtle Cheshire.[3] They had two children, son Harry Jr. and daughter Leona, and in February 1968 the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.[1] Cheshire died in 1968. He is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.[11]

Selected filmography

References
  1. Yvonne Boynton, Westchester Whirl, Evening Vanguard, June 20, 1968, page 5
  2. Douglas Brode, Shooting Stars of the Small Screen, pages 81-82, University of Texas Press, 2009
  3. About Town, The Kansas City Times, June 29, 1968, page 45
  4. 47 Years a Showman, Sullivan Tri-County News (Sullivan, Missouri), November 10, 1955, page 6
  5. 'Pappy' a Real Vet, Los Angeles Mirror, September 29, 1955, page 34
  6. "Former Hi Jinks Player Rejoins Liberty Company". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma, Oklahoma City. June 25, 1922. p. 22. Retrieved September 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  7. Two Unscheduled Thrills at Rodeo, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 22, 1956, page 20
  8. B'llyn Strand Shows Latest 'Gallant Bess', Daily News, October 23, 1948, page 322
  9. Change of Scenery, The Richmond News Leader, May 28, 1955, page 20
  10. Terrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-7864-6477-7.
  11. Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 25047-25048). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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