Percy Helton
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Percy Alfred Helton (January 31, 1894 – September 11, 1971) was an American stage, film, and television actor. He was one of the most familiar faces and voices in
Hollywood Hollywood usually refers to: * Hollywood, Los Angeles, a neighborhood in California * Hollywood, a metonym for the cinema of the United States Hollywood may also refer to: Places United States * Hollywood District (disambiguation) * Hollywood, ...
of the 1950s.


Career

A
Manhattan Manhattan (), known regionally as the City, is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City. The borough is also coextensive with New York County, one of the original counties of the U.S. state ...
native, Helton began acting at the age of two, appearing in
vaudeville Vaudeville (; ) is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment born in France at the end of the 19th century. A vaudeville was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a dramatic composition ...
acts with his British-born father, Alfred "Alf" Helton. He was a cast member in the Broadway production of ''Julie BonBon'' (1906). Helton went on to perform in stock theater and in other Broadway plays. Helton joined the
United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...
in
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
. Deployed to Europe with the
American Expeditionary Forces The American Expeditionary Forces (A. E. F.) was a formation of the United States Army on the Western Front of World War I. The A. E. F. was established on July 5, 1917, in France under the command of General John J. Pershing. It fought alon ...
, he was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) is a military decoration for courage. Different versions exist for different countries. *Distinguished Service Cross (Australia) The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to ...
for his duty with the
77th Infantry Division 77th Division or 75th Infantry Division may refer to: * 77th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht), Germany * 77th Infantry Division of Khurasan, Iran * 77th Division (Imperial Japanese Army) * 77th Division (People's Republic of China) * 77th Division ( ...
's 305th Field Artillery.Obituary
"Percy Helton
Actor in 200 Films, is Dead." ''
The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid ...
''. September 14, 1971. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
A change in his voice altered Helton's career. He remained in acting but chiefly as a character actor in a wide range of films and television programs in the 1950s and 1960s. Among those programs were three guest appearances on ''
Perry Mason Perry Mason is a fictional character, an American criminal defense lawyer who is the main character in works of detective fiction written by Erle Stanley Gardner. Perry Mason features in 82 novels and 4 short stories, all of which involve a cli ...
'', including the role of Asa Cooperman in the 1961 episode "The Case of the Pathetic Patient", as a pawn broker in the 1961 episode "The Case of the Torrid Tapestry" and as a hotel clerk in the 1965 episode "The Case of the Careless Kitten." Films in which he performed include ''
Miracle on 34th Street ''Miracle on 34th Street'' (initially released as ''The Big Heart'' in the United Kingdom) is a 1947 American List of Christmas films, Christmas comedy-drama film released by 20th Century Fox, written and directed by George Seaton and based on ...
'' (1947), '' Criss Cross'' (1949), '' The Set-Up'' (1949), ''
Kiss Me Deadly ''Kiss Me Deadly'' is a 1955 American film noir produced and directed by Robert Aldrich, starring Ralph Meeker, Albert Dekker, Paul Stewart, Juano Hernandez, and Wesley Addy. It also features Maxine Cooper and Cloris Leachman appearing in the ...
'' (1955), and as "Sweetface" in ''
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'' is a 1969 American Western buddy film directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman. Based loosely on fact, the film tells the story of Wild West outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker, known as Butch C ...
'' (1969). He co-starred in several
films noir Film noir (; ) is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and motivations. The 1940s and 1950s are generally regarded as the "classic period" of American '' ...
, including '' Wicked Woman'' (1953).


Personal life and death

Helton died at age 77 at the
Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, formerly known as Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, is a private hospital located at 1300 North Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The hospital has 434 beds. It is owned by Sou ...
on September 11, 1971, the year of his final film appearance. His ashes are inurned at
Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary is a cemetery and mortuary located in the Westwood Village area of Los Angeles. It is located at 1218 Glendon Avenue in Westwood, with an entrance from Glendon Avenue. The cemetery was ...
in
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
,
California California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
.


Partial filmography

*''
The Fairy and the Waif ''The Fairy and the Waif'' is a 1915 silent drama film directed by Marie Hubert Frohman and George Irving. This was the first feature-length film of actress Mary Miles Minter, who was twelve years old by the time of the release, although she ha ...
'' (1915) as The Waif *''The Flower of Faith'' (1916) as Tom Judson *'' The Master Mind'' (1920) as Younger brother *'' Silver Wings'' (1922) as John (play) *''Insinuation'' (1922) as Jimmie *'' The Offenders'' (1922) *'' Frankie and Johnny'' (1936) as Undetermined role (uncredited) *''
Miracle on 34th Street ''Miracle on 34th Street'' (initially released as ''The Big Heart'' in the United Kingdom) is a 1947 American List of Christmas films, Christmas comedy-drama film released by 20th Century Fox, written and directed by George Seaton and based on ...
'' (1947) as Drunken Santa Claus (uncredited) *''
Call Northside 777 ''Call Northside 777'' is a 1948 reality-based newspaper drama directed by Henry Hathaway. The film parallels the true story of a Chicago reporter who proved that a man jailed for murder was wrongly convicted 11 years before. James Stewart stars ...
'' (1948) as William Decker - Mailman (uncredited) *'' Let's Live Again'' (1948) as Mr. President *''
Hazard A hazard is a potential source of harm Harm is a moral and legal concept. Bernard Gert construes harm as any of the following: * pain * death * disability * mortality * loss of abil ity or freedom * loss of pleasure. Joel Feinberg giv ...
'' (1948) as Beady Robbins *''
Larceny Larceny is a crime involving the unlawful taking or theft of the personal property of another person or business. It was an offence under the common law of England and became an offence in jurisdictions which incorporated the common law of Engla ...
'' (1948) as Charlie Jordan *''
That Wonderful Urge ''That Wonderful Urge'' is a 1948 20th Century Fox screwball comedy film directed by Robert B. Sinclair and starring Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney.''Harrison's Reports'' film review; November 27, 1948, page 190. It is a remake of '' Love Is News' ...
'' (1948) as Monroe Township Jail Drunk (uncredited) *''
Chicken Every Sunday ''Chicken Every Sunday'' is a 1949 American comedy film directed by George Seaton. The screenplay by Seaton and Valentine Davies is based on the 1944 play of the same title by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein, which was based on Chicken Ev ...
'' (1949) as Mr. Sawyer (uncredited) *'' Criss Cross'' (1949) as Frank *'' Alias Nick Beal'' (1949) as Lawyer (uncredited) *'' The Set-Up'' (1949) as Red *'' The Crooked Way'' (1949) as Petey *''
Lust for Gold ''Lust for Gold'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by S. Sylvan Simon and starring Ida Lupino and Glenn Ford. The film is about the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine, starring Ford as the "Dutchman" and Lupino as the woman he loves. ...
'' (1949) as Barber (uncredited) *''
Red, Hot and Blue ''Red, Hot and Blue'' is a stage musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It premiered on Broadway in 1936 and introduced the popular song "It's De-Lovely," sung by Ethel Merman and Bob Hope. T ...
'' (1949) as Mr. Perkins, Stage manager *'' Abbott & Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff'' (1949) as Abernathy *''
Thieves' Highway ''Thieves' Highway'' is a 1949 film noir directed by Jules Dassin. The screenplay was written by A. I. Bezzerides, based on his novel ''Thieves' Market''. The film was released on DVD as part of the Criterion Collection in 2005. Plot A war ...
'' (1949) as Roadside Bar Manager (uncredited) *''
My Friend Irma ''My Friend Irma'' is a media franchise that was spawned by a top-rated, long-running radio situation comedy created by writer-director-producer Cy Howard. The radio show was so popular in the late 1940s that its success escalated the films, ...
'' (1949) as Mr. Clyde *'' Free for All'' (1949) as Joe Hershey *''
The Secret Fury ''The Secret Fury'' is a 1950 American psychological thriller film noir directed by Mel Ferrer and starring Claudette Colbert, Robert Ryan and Jane Cowl. Plot A wealthy classical pianist, Ellen, is accused of already being married when she atte ...
'' (1950) as Justice of the Peace Roy T. Palmer (uncredited) *''
Tyrant of the Sea ''Tyrant of the Sea'' is a 1950 American historical war film set during the Napoleonic Wars and starring Ron Randell, Rhys Williams and Lester Matthews. It was directed by Lew Landers. Production The film began as a project titled ''The Return ...
'' (1950) as Crewman (uncredited) *''
Harbor of Missing Men ''Harbor of Missing Men'' is a 1950 American action film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by John K. Butler. The film stars Richard Denning, Barbra Fuller, Steven Geray, Aline Towne, Percy Helton and George Zucco. The film was releas ...
'' (1950) as 'Rummy' Davis *'' Wabash Avenue'' (1950) as Ship Captain (uncredited) *'' Riding High'' (1950) as Pawnbroker (uncredited) *'' Fancy Pants'' (1950) as Mayor Fogarty (uncredited) *''
A Life of Her Own ''A Life of Her Own'' is a 1950 American melodrama film directed by George Cukor and starring Lana Turner and Ray Milland. The screenplay by Isobel Lennart focuses on an aspiring model who leaves her small town in the Midwest to seek fame and for ...
'' (1950) as Hamburger Proprietor (uncredited) *''
Copper Canyon Copper Canyon (Spanish: Barrancas del Cobre) is a group of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico that is in size. The canyons were formed by six rivers th ...
'' (1950) as 'Scamper' Joad *''
The Sun Sets at Dawn ''The Sun Sets at Dawn'' is a 1950 American film noir crime film directed by Paul Sloane and starring Sally Parr and Patrick Waltz. Plot A young man sits in prison on the night before his execution, while his girlfriend waits for the inevitable i ...
'' (1950) as Reporter, Feature Syndicate *''
Cyrano de Bergerac Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac ( , ; 6 March 1619 – 28 July 1655) was a French novelist, playwright, epistolarian, and duelist. A bold and innovative author, his work was part of the libertine literature of the first half of the 17th cen ...
'' (1950) as Bellerose *'' Under Mexicali Stars'' (1950) as Nap Wellington *''
Three Guys Named Mike ''Three Guys Named Mike'' is a 1951 American romantic comedy film directed by Charles Walters and starring Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, and Barry Sullivan.
'' (1951) as Mr. Hawkins, Hotel Manager *'' Inside Straight'' (1951) as Lawyer Anderson (uncredited) *''
Night Into Morning ''Night Into Morning'' is a 1951 American drama film starring Ray Milland, John Hodiak and Nancy Davis. Plot Everything is going very well for college professor Phillip Ainley (Ray Milland), who has a loving wife and son and an offer to teach at ...
'' (1951) as Drunk (uncredited) *''Never Trust a Gambler'' (1951) as Sunbeam Liquor Store Clerk (uncredited) *''
Darling, How Could You! ''Darling, How Could You!'' is a 1951 American period comedy film directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Joan Fontaine and John Lund. The script is based on the 1905 J. M. Barrie play ''Alice Sit-by-the-Fire''. Plot In late 1906, brother and ...
'' (1951) as Cabbie (uncredited) *''
The Tall Target ''The Tall Target'' is a 1951 American historical crime film directed by Anthony Mann and starring Dick Powell, Paula Raymond and Adolphe Menjou. Powell stars as a police sergeant who tries to stop the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at a train ...
'' (1951) as Beamish - Passenger in Club Car (uncredited) *''Chain of Circumstance'' (1951) as Fogel *'' The Family Secret'' (1951) as Charlie (uncredited) *''
The Barefoot Mailman ''The Barefoot Mailman'' is a comedy-adventure film starring Robert Cummings and distributed by Columbia Pictures in 1951. The film was based on the 1943 novel ''The Barefoot Mailman'' by Theodore Pratt. Filmed in Super Cinecolor on location i ...
'' (1951) as Dewey Durgan (uncredited) *''
The Stooge ''The Stooge'' is a 1952 American comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and starring the comedy team of Martin and Lewis. The film was released nationally in the United States in February 1953 by Paramount Pictures. Plot In 1930, entertainer Bil ...
'' (1952) as Sam Robertson (uncredited) *'' A Girl in Every Port'' (1952) as Drive-In Manager *'' The Belle of New York'' (1952) as Presents Angela with Flowers (uncredited) *'' I Dream of Jeanie'' (1952) as Mr. Horker *'' Three for Bedroom "C"'' (1952) as Alcoholic Train Passenger (uncredited) *''
She's Back on Broadway ''She's Back on Broadway'' is a 1953 musical comedy-drama film in WarnerColor. It is Virginia Mayo's last musical film. Her singing voice was dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams. The film was Mayo's unofficial follow-up to her 1952 musical hit '' She ...
'' (1953) as News Vendor (scenes deleted) *''
Call Me Madam ''Call Me Madam'' is a musical written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The musical is a satire on politics and foreign policy that spoofs postwar America's penchant for lending billions of dollars to ...
'' (1953) as Sen. Wilkins *'' Scared Stiff'' (1953) as Man in Hotel Hallway (uncredited) *''
Ambush at Tomahawk Gap ''Ambush at Tomahawk Gap'' is a 1953 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and produced by Wallace MacDonald. It stars John Hodiak, John Derek, David Brian, and María Elena Marqués. Plot Four outlaws have just been released from ...
'' (1953) as Marlowe *''
Ride, Vaquero! ''Ride, Vaquero!'' is a 1953 American Western (genre), Western film photographed in Ansco Color (print by Technicolor) made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). It was directed by John Farrow and produced by Stephen Ames from a screenplay by Frank Fe ...
'' (1953) as Storekeeper (uncredited) *''
Vice Squad A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character tr ...
'' (1953) as Mr. Jenner (uncredited) *''
Down Laredo Way ''Down Laredo Way'' is a 1953 American Western film directed by William Witney and starring Rex Allen, Dona Drake and Slim Pickens.Pitts p.93 The film's art direction was by Frank Arrigo. Plot Cast * Rex Allen as Rex Allen * Koko as Kok ...
'' (1953) as Judge Sully *''
The Affairs of Dobie Gillis ''The Affairs of Dobie Gillis'' is a 1953 American comedy musical film directed by Don Weis. The film is based on the short stories by Max Shulman collected as ''The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis'' (also the title of the later TV series). Bobby V ...
'' (1953) as Mr. Hammersmith, Book Seller (uncredited) *''
City of Bad Men ''City of Bad Men'' is a 1953 American Western film directed by Harmon Jones and starring Jeanne Crain and Dale Robertson. Plot A heavyweight championship fight between "Gentleman Jim" Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons is coming to Carson City, Nev ...
'' (1953) as Old-Timer at Training Camp (uncredited) *''
The Robe ''The Robe'' is a 1942 historical novel about the Crucifixion of Jesus, written by Lloyd C. Douglas. The book was one of the best-selling titles of the 1940s. It entered the ''New York Times'' Best Seller list in October 1942, four weeks later ...
'' (1953) as Caleb - Wine Merchant (uncredited) *''
How to Marry a Millionaire ''How to Marry a Millionaire'' is a 1953 American screwball comedy film directed by Jean Negulesco and written and produced by Nunnally Johnson. The screenplay was based on the plays ''The Greeks Had a Word for It'' (1930) by Zoe Akins and ''Loc ...
'' (1953) as Mr. Benton (uncredited) *'' Wicked Woman'' (1953) as Charlie Borg *'' Geraldine'' (1953) as Pop (uncredited) *'' Lucky Me'' (1954) as Brown (uncredited) *''
About Mrs. Leslie ''About Mrs. Leslie'' is a 1954 American drama film directed by Daniel Mann and starring Shirley Booth and Robert Ryan. It was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 1955. Plot Vivien Leslie, a Beverly Hills, California rooming house owner, reminisces i ...
'' (1954) as Mr. Hackley *'' A Star is Born'' (1954) as William Gregory (uncredited) *''
The Adventures of Hajji Baba ''The Adventures of Hajji Baba'' is a 1954 American CinemaScope adventure film directed by Don Weis and starring John Derek and Elaine Stewart. Made in Southern California, it was released on October 1, 1954. In the credits it states that the f ...
'' (1954) as Kerbelai, Hajji's Barber Father (uncredited) *'' White Christmas'' (1954) as Train Conductor (uncredited) *''
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ''Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas'' (french: Vingt mille lieues sous les mers) is a classic science fiction adventure novel by French writer Jules Verne. The novel was originally serialized from March 1869 through June 1870 in Pierre-J ...
'' (1954) as Coach Driver *''
Crashout ''Crashout'' is a 1955 American film noir crime film directed by Lewis R. Foster and starring William Bendix, Arthur Kennedy, Luther Adler, William Talman, Gene Evans, Marshall Thompson, and Beverly Michaels.. Plot Convict Van Duff is the le ...
'' (1955) as Doctor Louis Barnes *''
Kiss Me Deadly ''Kiss Me Deadly'' is a 1955 American film noir produced and directed by Robert Aldrich, starring Ralph Meeker, Albert Dekker, Paul Stewart, Juano Hernandez, and Wesley Addy. It also features Maxine Cooper and Cloris Leachman appearing in the ...
'' (1955) as Doc Kennedy *''
Jail Busters ''Jail Busters'' is a 1955 film starring the comedy team of The Bowery Boys. The film was released on September 18, 1955 by Allied Artists and is the thirty-ninth film in the series. Plot Chuck gets a job working for a newspaper. When promoted, h ...
'' (1955) as Warden B.W. Oswald *''
Trial In law, a trial is a coming together of Party (law), parties to a :wikt:dispute, dispute, to present information (in the form of evidence (law), evidence) in a tribunal, a formal setting with the authority to Adjudication, adjudicate claims or d ...
'' (1955) as Youval (uncredited) *'' No Man's Woman'' (1955) as Otto Peterson *'' Diane'' (1956) as Court Jester (uncredited) *''
Fury at Gunsight Pass ''Fury at Gunsight Pass'' is a 1956 American western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring David Brian, Neville Brand and Richard Long. It was produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures. Plot Bank robbers hold townspeople hostage, t ...
'' (1956) as Peter Boggs *''
Terror at Midnight ''Terror at Midnight'' is a 1956 film noir crime film directed by Franklin Adreon and starring Scott Brady, Joan Vohs and Frank Faylen.Koper p.157 The film's sets were designed by art director Walter E. Keller. Plot Rick Rickards, a cop, le ...
'' (1956) as Speegie *'' The Boss'' (1956) as Hotel Clerk (uncredited) *'' Shake, Rattle & Rock!'' (1956) as Hiram, the funeral director *''
The Phantom Stagecoach ''The Phantom Stagecoach'' is a 1957 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring William Bishop, Kathleen Crowley, Richard Webb, Hugh Sanders, John Doucette, and Frank Ferguson. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on Ap ...
'' (1957) as Mr. Wiggins *''
The Vintage ''The Vintage'' is a 1957 American crime drama film directed by Jeffrey Hayden and starring Pier Angeli, Mel Ferrer, John Kerr, Michèle Morgan and Theodore Bikel. The screenplay was written by Michael Blankfort, based on a novel by Ursula Kei ...
'' (1957) as Voice Dub for Berger (uncredited) *'' This Could Be the Night'' (1957) as Charlie (uncredited) *''
Spook Chasers ''Spook Chasers'' is a 1957 horror/comedy film starring the comedy team of The Bowery Boys and Robert Shayne. The film was released on June 2, 1957 by Allied Artists and is the forty-fifth film in the series. Plot Café owner Mike Clancy is told ...
'' (1957) as Mike Clancy *''
The Last Stagecoach West ''The Last Stagecoach West'' is a 1957 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Jim Davis (actor), Jim Davis, Mary Castle, Victor Jory and Lee Van Cleef. The film's art direction was by Ralph Oberg. In the ear ...
'' (1957) as Telegrapher (uncredited) *'' Jailhouse Rock'' (1957) as Sam Brewster (uncredited) *''
The Sheepman ''The Sheepman'' is a 1958 American Western comedy film directed by George Marshall and starring Glenn Ford, Shirley MacLaine, and Leslie Nielsen. Plot Gambler Jason Sweet (Ford) wins a flock of sheep in a poker game and proceeds to take them b ...
'' (1958) as Station Master (uncredited) *''
The Proud Rebel ''The Proud Rebel'' is a 1958 American Technicolor Western (genre), Western film directed by Michael Curtiz, with a screenplay by Joseph Petracca and Lillie Hayward that was based on a story by James Edward Grant. It is the story of a widowed Co ...
'' (1958) as Photographer (uncredited) *'' Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!'' (1958) as Waldo Pike, the Plumber (uncredited) *'' Ask Any Girl'' (1959) as Janitor in Meg Wheeler's Building (uncredited) *''Let No Man Write My Epitaph'' (1960) as Baldy (uncredited) *''
Where the Boys Are ''Where the Boys Are'' is a 1960 American CinemaScope comedy film directed by Henry Levin and starring Connie Francis, Dolores Hart, Paula Prentiss, George Hamilton, Yvette Mimieux, Jim Hutton, and Frank Gorshin. It was written by George W ...
'' (1960) as Fairview Motel Manager (uncredited) *''
Ride the High Country ''Ride the High Country'' (released internationally as ''Guns in the Afternoon'') is a 1962 American CinemaScope Western film directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, and Mariette Hartley. The supporting cast includ ...
'' (1962) as Luther Samson (uncredited) *''
The Music Man ''The Music Man'' is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and ...
'' (1962) as Train Conductor (uncredited) *''
The Wheeler Dealers ''The Wheeler Dealers'' (a.k.a. ''Separate Beds'' in the UK) is a 1963 American romantic comedy film produced by Martin Ransohoff, directed by Arthur Hiller and starring James Garner and Lee Remick. The script was written by George Goodman and I ...
'' (1963) as Deke (uncredited) *''
4 for Texas ''4 for Texas'' is a 1963 American comedy Western film starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Anita Ekberg, and Ursula Andress, and featuring Charles Bronson and Mike Mazurki, with a cameo appearance by Arthur Godfrey and the Three Stooges (Larry ...
'' (1963) as Jonas Ansel *''
Get Yourself A College Girl ''Get Yourself a College Girl'', also released as ''The Swingin' Set'', is a 1964 Metrocolor film comedy in the style of a beach party movie. The plot involves a college co-ed who tries to balance her time writing songs and dealing with her pub ...
'' (1964) as Senator's Chauffeur (uncredited) *'' Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte'' (1964) as Funeral Director *'' Dear Brigitte'' (1965) as Kraft - Man at Computer Lab (uncredited) *''
Zebra in the Kitchen ''Zebra in the Kitchen'' is a 1965 American children's film produced and directed by Ivan Tors and starring Jay North in his first leading feature-film role. It also stars Martin Milner and Andy Devine, with costars Joyce Meadows and Jim Davis (a ...
'' (1965) as Mr. Richardson *''
The Sons of Katie Elder ''The Sons of Katie Elder'' is a 1965 American Western film in Panavision, directed by Henry Hathaway and starring John Wayne and Dean Martin. It was filmed principally in Mexico. Plot The four adult sons of Katie Elder – John, who is a fa ...
'' (1965) as Mr. Peevey *''
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title ''Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title'' is a 1966 American comedy film directed by Harmon Jones and written by Morey Amsterdam, John Davis Hart, William Marks and George Schenck. The film stars Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie, Richard Deacon, Joey A ...
'' (1966) as Diner Customer (uncredited) *''
A Big Hand for the Little Lady ''A Big Hand for the Little Lady'' (released in the UK under the misleading title ''Big Deal at Dodge City'', as the film is set in Laredo, Texas) is a 1966 American Western film made by Eden Productions Inc. and released by Warner Bros. The f ...
'' (1966) as Kevin McKenzie (uncredited) *''
The Big Mouth ''The Big Mouth'' is a 1967 American comedy film produced, directed, co-written, and starring Jerry Lewis. It was filmed in San Diego and features Frank De Vol as an onscreen narrator. Plot Gerald Clamson is a bank examiner who loves fishing on ...
'' (1967) as Sanitation Man (uncredited) *''
Head A head is the part of an organism which usually includes the ears, brain, forehead, cheeks, chin, eyes, nose, and mouth, each of which aid in various sensory functions such as sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Some very simple animals may ...
'' (1968) as Heraldic Messenger *''
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'' is a 1969 American Western buddy film directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman. Based loosely on fact, the film tells the story of Wild West outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker, known as Butch C ...
'' (1969) as Sweetface (uncredited) *''
The Day of the Wolves ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...
'' (1971) as The Farmer *''Legend of the Northwest'' (1978) (final film role)


Television appearances

*'' Adventures of Superman'' (1953, Episode 36, "The Face and the Voice") as Hamlet *''
Death Valley Days ''Death Valley Days'' is an American old-time radio and television anthology series featuring true accounts of the American Old West, particularly the Death Valley country of southeastern California. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program ...
'' (1953) as Little Oscar *''
The Life of Riley ''The Life of Riley'' is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later kn ...
'' (1953) as Mr. Cox *''
The Lone Ranger The Lone Ranger is a fictional masked former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws in the American Old West with his Native American friend Tonto. The character has been called an enduring icon of American culture. He first appeared in 1933 in ...
'' (1955) as Pete Travis *''
Father Knows Best ''Father Knows Best'' is an American sitcom starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin. The series, which began on radio in 1949, aired as a television show for six seasons and 203 episodes. Created by E ...
'' (1957, episode 4) as desk clerk *''
Science Fiction Theatre ''Science Fiction Theatre'' was an American science fiction anthology television series that was produced by Ivan Tors and Maurice Ziv and originally aired in syndication. It premiered on April 9, 1955 and ended on April 6, 1957, with a total of ...
(1957) as Professor John Husted (S02 E35) *''
Maverick Maverick, Maveric or Maverik may refer to: History * Maverick (animal), an unbranded range animal, derived from U.S. cattleman Samuel Maverick Aviation * AEA Maverick, an Australian single-seat sportsplane design * General Aviation Design Burea ...
'' (1957-1960) as Bradley / Mr. Venner *''
Death Valley Days ''Death Valley Days'' is an American old-time radio and television anthology series featuring true accounts of the American Old West, particularly the Death Valley country of southeastern California. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program ...
'' (1958) as Scrubby in Episode 296 *''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, aired on CBS and NBC between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers and mysteries. Between 1962 and 1965 it was ren ...
'' (1955-1961) as Cyrus Rutherford / Morton / Newspaperman / Building super / George the Janitor / Lawyer /Gerald Eaton *'' Lawman'' (1959-1961) as Thatcher / Ellery Purvy / Oren *''
Gunsmoke ''Gunsmoke'' is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. It centers on Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, during the settlement of the American West. The central character ...
'' (1959-1966) as Mr. Early / Arbuckle / Duffer / Otie *''
Bonanza ''Bonanza'' is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 13, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 432 episodes, ''Bonanza'' is NBC's longest-running western, the second-longest-running western series on U ...
'' (1959-1967) as Bleeker / Pete / Lafe / Blurry Jones *''
The Untouchables Untouchables or The Untouchables may refer to: American history * Untouchables (law enforcement), a 1930s American law enforcement unit led by Eliot Ness * ''The Untouchables'' (book), an autobiography by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley * ''The U ...
'' (1960) as Jocko Monaghan / Mr. Meyer *''
Law of the Plainsman ''Law of the Plainsman'' is a Western (genre), Western television series starring Michael Ansara that aired on NBC from October 1, 1959, until September 22, 1960. The character of Native Americans in the United States, Native American United St ...
'' (1960) as Del Martin *'' Mr. Lucky'' (1960) as Pop Markel *'' Laramie'' (1961-1963) as Opie / Clemson Frazer / Wes Snyder - Auctioneer *''
Cheyenne The Cheyenne ( ) are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. Their Cheyenne language belongs to the Algonquian language family. Today, the Cheyenne people are split into two federally recognized nations: the Southern Cheyenne, who are enroll ...
'' (1961) as Matthew Beasely *'' Rawhide'' (1961) as bartender *''
Perry Mason Perry Mason is a fictional character, an American criminal defense lawyer who is the main character in works of detective fiction written by Erle Stanley Gardner. Perry Mason features in 82 novels and 4 short stories, all of which involve a cli ...
'' (1961-1965) as Hotel Desk Clerk / Asa Cooperman / Pawnbroker *''
Mister Ed ''Mister Ed'' is an American television sitcom produced by Filmways that aired in syndication from January 5 to July 2, 1961, and then on CBS from October 1, 1961, to February 6, 1966. The show's title character is a talking horse which orig ...
'' (1962-1965) as Zoo Attendant / Dr. Evans *''
The Twilight Zone ''The Twilight Zone'' is an American media franchise based on the anthology television series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, absurdism, dystopian fiction, suspense, horror, su ...
'' (1963-1964) as Lapham / Tom Poulter *''
Bewitched ''Bewitched'' is an American fantasy sitcom television series that originally aired for eight seasons on ABC from September 17, 1964, to March 25, 1972. It is about a witch who marries an ordinary mortal man and vows to lead the life of a typic ...
'' (1964) *'' The Fugitive'' (1964) as Hobo *''
Petticoat Junction ''Petticoat Junction'' is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 1963 to April 1970. The series takes place at the Shady Rest Hotel, which is run by Kate Bradley; her three daughters Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, and B ...
'' (1965-1970) as Mr. Benton / Hinky Mittenfloss *''
Green Acres ''Green Acres'' is an American television sitcom starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor as a couple who move from New York City to a country farm. Produced by Filmways as a sister show to ''Petticoat Junction'', the series was first broadcast on ...
'' (1966-1969) as Luke Needlinger / Ira Hatch / Willie *''
The Jerry Lewis Show ''The Jerry Lewis Show'' was the name of several separate but similar American variety, talk and comedy programs starring comedian Jerry Lewis that aired non-consecutively between 1963 and 1984. The original version of the series aired on ABC fr ...
'' (1967) *''
Green Hornet The Green Hornet is a superhero created in 1936 by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, with input from radio director James Jewell. Since his 1930s radio debut, the character has appeared in numerous serialized dramas in a wide variety of media ...
'' (1967, Episode 20 "Ace in the Hole") as Gus *''
The Mothers-In-Law ''The Mothers-in-Law'' is an American situation comedy featuring Eve Arden and Kaye Ballard as two women who were friends and next-door neighbors until their children's elopement made them in-laws. The show aired on NBC television from September ...
'' (1967) as Dean Roberts *'' The Virginian'' (1967, "Execution at Triste") as Dean Roberts *''
The Beverly Hillbillies ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' is an American television sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from 1962 to 1971. It had an ensemble cast featuring Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, and Max Baer Jr. as the Clampetts, a poor, backwoods family from ...
'' (1968-1969) as Homer Cratchit *''
Batman Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
'' (1968) as Gus *''
Get Smart ''Get Smart'' is an American comedy television series parodying the secret agent genre that had become widely popular in the first half of the 1960s, with the release of the ''James Bond'' films. It was created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, an ...
'' (1968) as A.J. Pfister *''
Land of the Giants ''Land of the Giants'' is a one-hour American science fiction television series that aired on ABC for two seasons, beginning on September 22, 1968 and ending on March 22, 1970. The show was created and produced by Irwin Allen. ''Land of the Gia ...
'' (1968) as Akman *''
The Wild Wild West ''The Wild Wild West'' is an American Western, espionage, and science fiction television series that ran on the CBS television network for four seasons from September 17, 1965, to April 11, 1969. Two satirical comedy television film sequels w ...
'' (1968) as Proprietor *''
Love American Style ''Love, American Style'' is an anthology comedy television series that aired on ABC from 1969 to 1974. The series was produced by Paramount Television. During the 1971–72 and 1972–73 seasons, it was a part of ABC's Friday primetime lineup ...
'' (1970) as Wharton (segment "Love and Those Poor Crusaders' Wives") *'' Mission: Impossible'' (1971) as Dailey


Commercial appearances

* ''
Mandom is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of hair care, skin care, perfumes, and deodorants. The company was founded in 1927 under the name and changed its name to Tancho Corporation in 1959 and Mandom Corporation in 1971. History In 1927, S ...
'', Japanese Perfume Commercial (1976) as Hotel Doorman


References

Helton is not listed on the US Army rolls as having received the Distinguished Service Cross in WWI. This story was probably the result of an overzealous Hollywood agent.


External links

* * *
young Percy Helton
on left in ''Silver Wings'' (1922)- (University of Washington, Sayre collection) {{DEFAULTSORT:Helton, Percy 1894 births 1971 deaths Male actors from New York City Burials at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery American male child actors United States Army soldiers American male film actors American male television actors United States Army personnel of World War I 20th-century American male actors