Barry Kelley
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Edward Barry Kelley (August 19, 1908 – June 5, 1991) was an American actor on Broadway in the 1930s and 1940s and in films during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. The heavy-set actor created the role of Ike in '' Oklahoma!'' on Broadway. His large size and acting range had him playing primarily judges, detectives, and police officers.


Early years

The 6'4", 230-pound Kelley was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended the Goodman School of Drama at the
Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago's Grant Park, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world. Recognized for its curatorial efforts and popularity among visitors, the museum hosts approximately 1.5 mill ...
(now at
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).


Stage

Kelley began acting on the stage in the 1930s. His Broadway credits include ''Within the Gates'' (1934-1935), ''Parnell'' (1935-1936), ''Saint Joan'' (1936), ''Hamlet'' (1936-1937), ''The Wingless Victory'' (1936-1937), ''The Star-Wagon'' (1937-1938), ''Mamba's Daughters'' (1940), ''Strip for Action'' (1942-1943), ''Oklahoma'' (1943-1948), ''Loco'' (1946), ''Wonderful Journey (1946-1947) and ''Portrait in Black'' (1947).


Film

In films, Kelley often portrayed cops or judges in films, including ''
Boomerang A boomerang () is a thrown tool, typically constructed with aerofoil sections and designed to spin about an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight. A returning boomerang is designed to return to the thrower, while a non-returning ...
'' (his first film in 1947), ''
Knock on Any Door ''Knock on Any Door'' is a 1949 American courtroom trial film noir directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Humphrey Bogart. The picture gave actor John Derek his breakthrough role, and was based on the 1947 novel of the same name by Willard Motley ...
'', '' Ma and Pa Kettle'', and '' The Asphalt Jungle''. (Another source says, "His film debut was in the 1948 film noir ''
Force of Evil ''Force of Evil'' is a 1948 American crime film noir starring John Garfield and directed by Abraham Polonsky. It was adapted by Polonsky and Ira Wolfert from Wolfert's novel ''Tucker's People''. Polonsky had been a screenwriter for the boxing ...
''.") One of his best roles (for which he received third billing) was as the good-bad half brother of Joel McCrea in '' The Tall Stranger'' (1957). Kelley had an uncredited role as a police chief in the 1964
Frank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra (; December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor. Nicknamed the " Chairman of the Board" and later called "Ol' Blue Eyes", Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s, 1950s, and ...
musical ''
Robin and the 7 Hoods ''Robin and the 7 Hoods'' is a 1964 American musical film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bing Crosby. The picture features Peter Falk, Barbara Rush, and an uncredited Edward G. Robin ...
''.


Television

Kelley also appeared in dozens of
television series A television show – or simply TV show – is any content produced for viewing on a television set which can be broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, or cable, excluding breaking news, advertisements, or trailers that are typically placed be ...
. As in the movies, he was usually in westerns or
crime drama Crime films, in the broadest sense, is a film genre inspired by and analogous to the crime fiction literary genre. Films of this genre generally involve various aspects of crime and its detection. Stylistically, the genre may overlap and comb ...
s. In 1954 he appeared in a TV episode of '' The Lone Ranger'' entitled Texas Draw. In 1959 Kelley appeared as Josh Teller on '' Lawman'' in the episode titled "The Outsider." He portrayed the recurring character Jim Rafferty in five episodes of the 1960–1961
situation comedy A sitcom, a portmanteau of situation comedy, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedy centered on a fixed set of characters who mostly carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms can be contrasted with sketch comedy, where a troupe may use new ...
''
The Tom Ewell Show ''The Tom Ewell Show'', also known as ''The Trouble With Tom'', is an American situation comedy that aired on CBS during the 1960-61 television season. It depicts the challenges a husband and father faces as he resides in a household otherwise c ...
''. In 1961 he appeared as Governor Johnson on the TV western '' Lawman'' in the episode titled "Owny O'Reilly." In 1961, Kelley played Mr. Slocum, the boss of insurance agent Pete Porter, in six episodes of the CBS
situation comedy A sitcom, a portmanteau of situation comedy, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedy centered on a fixed set of characters who mostly carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms can be contrasted with sketch comedy, where a troupe may use new ...
, ''
Pete and Gladys ''Pete and Gladys'' is an American sitcom television series starring Harry Morgan and Cara Williams that aired on CBS on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time for two seasons, beginning on September 19, 1960. The last episode was ...
'', starring Harry Morgan and
Cara Williams Cara Williams (born Bernice Kamiat; June 29, 1925 – December 9, 2021) was an American film and television actress. She was best known for her role as Billy's Mother in ''The Defiant Ones'' (1958), for which she was nominated for the Academy A ...
. Also in 1961, he played "Danceman" in the episode "Everyman" in '' Have Gun-Will Travel'', plus as villain Frank Williams in the episode "Ledger of Guilt" in '' Bat Masterson''. Other western series he appeared in during this period included: ''
Tales of Wells Fargo ''Tales of Wells Fargo'' is an American Western television series starring Dale Robertson that ran from 1957 to 1962 on NBC. Produced by Revue Productions, the series aired in a half-hour format until its final season, when it expanded t ...
'', '' Wanted: Dead or Alive'', '' Laramie'' and '' Bronco.'' In 1962, Kelley played Captain Donovan in the episode "The Parish Car" of the ABC drama series, '' Going My Way'', starring
Gene Kelly Eugene Curran Kelly (August 23, 1912 – February 2, 1996) was an American actor, dancer, singer, filmmaker, and choreographer. He was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style and sought to create a new form of American dance accessibl ...
. Kelley guest starred three times in the western television series ''
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 ...
'' between 1959 and 1965, playing different roles. He played Judge Bryant in the episode "Trial at Tablerock" in Have Gun - Will Travel. He also appeared occasionally as Alan Young's father-in-law on the
situation comedy A sitcom, a portmanteau of situation comedy, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedy centered on a fixed set of characters who mostly carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms can be contrasted with sketch comedy, where a troupe may use new ...
'' Mister Ed'' (1961–1966). In 1964 he portrayed Hurley Feasel in the episode "Kate Flat on Her Back" of the CBS sitcom '' Petticoat Junction''; in the credits of that episode his last name was spelled "Kelly." In 1966 he played murderer Park Milgrave in the '' Perry Mason'' episode, "The Case of the Fanciful Frail." He portrayed a mayor on '' Rango'' in 1967 in the episode ""If You Can't Take It with You, Don't Go." Kelley's last television role was as Sheriff Vic Crandall in three episodes of ''Petticoat Junction'' in 1967 and 1968.


Death

Kelley died in 1991 at the age of 82 in Woodland Hills, California.


Broadway roles

* ''Within the Gates'' (1934) as the gardener * ''Parnell'' (1935) as first leader * ''
The Wingless Victory ''The Wingless Victory'' is a 1936 three-act tragedy written by Maxwell Anderson, set in the year 1800. It was produced on Broadway by Katharine Cornell and staged by Guthrie McClintic, running for 110 performances from December 23, 1936, to Mar ...
'' (1936) as Happy Penny * ''
The Star-Wagon ''The Star-Wagon'' was a 1937 Broadway drama written by Maxwell Anderson, produced and staged by Guthrie McClintic, with scenic design by Jo Mielziner and musical direction by Albert Pearl. It ran for 223 performances from September 29, 1937 to ...
'' (1937) as first thug


Selected filmography

* ''
Boomerang A boomerang () is a thrown tool, typically constructed with aerofoil sections and designed to spin about an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight. A returning boomerang is designed to return to the thrower, while a non-returning ...
'' (1947) - Desk Sgt. Dugan (uncredited) * ''
Force of Evil ''Force of Evil'' is a 1948 American crime film noir starring John Garfield and directed by Abraham Polonsky. It was adapted by Polonsky and Ira Wolfert from Wolfert's novel ''Tucker's People''. Polonsky had been a screenwriter for the boxing ...
'' (1948) - Det. Egan * ''
Knock on Any Door ''Knock on Any Door'' is a 1949 American courtroom trial film noir directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Humphrey Bogart. The picture gave actor John Derek his breakthrough role, and was based on the 1947 novel of the same name by Willard Motley ...
'' (1949) - Judge Drake * '' The Undercover Man'' (1949) - Attorney Edward J. O'Rourke * '' Ma and Pa Kettle'' (1949) - Mr. Victor Tomkins * ''
Mr. Belvedere Goes to College ''Mr. Belvedere Goes to College'' is a 1949 American comedy film directed by Elliott Nugent. The screenplay written by Mary Loos, Mary C. McCall, Jr., and Richard Sale was based on characters created by Gwen Davenport. It follows on from '' Sittin ...
'' (1949) - Police Sgt. Griggs * '' Too Late for Tears'' (1949) - Police Lt. Breach * '' Johnny Stool Pigeon'' (1949) - William McCandles * '' Red, Hot and Blue'' (1949) - Lt. Gorman * ''
Fighting Man of the Plains ''Fighting Man of the Plains'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Edwin L. Marin. It stars Randolph Scott, Bill Williams, Victor Jory and Jane Nigh. Dale Robertson had his first credited role, playing Jesse James. Plot Jim Dancer ...
'' (1949) - Slocum * ''
The File on Thelma Jordon ''The File on Thelma Jordon'' is a 1950 American film noir drama film directed by Robert Siodmak and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Wendell Corey. The screenplay by Ketti Frings, based on an unpublished short story by Marty Holland, concerns a woma ...
'' (1950) - District Attorney Melvin Pierce * '' Singing Guns'' (1950) - Mike Murphy * '' Black Hand'' (1950) - Police Capt. Thompson * '' Wabash Avenue'' (1950) - Sam - Bouncer * '' The Capture'' (1950) - Mahoney * '' Love That Brute'' (1950) - Burly Lieutenant * '' The Asphalt Jungle'' (1950) - Lt. Ditrich * '' 711 Ocean Drive'' (1950) - Vince Walters * ''
The Killer That Stalked New York ''The Killer That Stalked New York'' (also known as ''Frightened City'') is a 1950 American film noir directed by Earl McEvoy and starring Evelyn Keyes, Charles Korvin and William Bishop. The film, shot on location and in a semi-documentary style ...
'' (1950) - Treasury Agent Johnson * '' Right Cross'' (1950) - Allan Goff * '' Southside 1-1000'' (1950) - Bill Evans * ''
The Great Missouri Raid ''The Great Missouri Raid'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Gordon Douglas and written by Frank Gruber. The film stars Wendell Corey, Macdonald Carey, Ellen Drew, Ward Bond, Bruce Bennett, Bill Williams and Anne Revere. The film ...
'' (1951) - Mr. Bauer * '' Francis Goes to the Races'' (1951) - Roy Square Deal Mallory * '' Flying Leathernecks'' (1951) - Brigadier General * ''
The Well The Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link, normally shortened to The WELL, was launched in 1985. It is one of the oldest continuously operating virtual communities. By 1993 it had 7,000 members, a staff of 12, and gross annual income of $2 million. ...
'' (1951) - Sam Packard * '' Carrie'' (1952) - Slawson * ''
Woman of the North Country ''Woman of the North Country'' is a 1952 American Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Ruth Hussey, Rod Cameron, John Agar and Gale Storm. The film was released on September 5, 1952, by Republic Pictures. Plot Cast * Ruth Hu ...
'' (1952) - O'Hara * '' Back at the Front'' (1952) - Brig. Gen. Dixon * '' Law and Order'' (1953) - Fin Elder * '' Remains to Be Seen'' (1953) - Lt. O'Flair * '' South Sea Woman'' (1953) - Col. Hickman * '' Vice Squad'' (1953) - Dwight Foreman * '' Champ for a Day'' (1953) - Tom Healy * '' The Long Wait'' (1954) - Tucker * '' The Shanghai Story'' (1954) - Ricki Dolmine * ''
Women's Prison This article discusses the incarceration of women in correctional facilities. As of 2013 across the world, 625,000 women and children were being held in penal institutions, and the female prison population was increasing in all continents.
'' (1955) - Warden Brock * '' New York Confidential'' (1955) - Robert Frawley * ''
Trial In law, a trial is a coming together of parties to a dispute, to present information (in the form of evidence) in a tribunal, a formal setting with the authority to adjudicate claims or disputes. One form of tribunal is a court. The tribun ...
'' (1955) - Jim Brackett * ''
Accused of Murder ''Accused of Murder'' is a 1956 American Trucolor film noir crime film directed by Joseph Kane and starring David Brian, Vera Ralston and Sidney Blackmer. Plot Nightclub singer Ilona Vance is accused of murder because she was the last person to ...
'' (1956) - Police Capt. Art Smedley * ''
The Wings of Eagles ''The Wings of Eagles'' is a 1957 American Metrocolor film starring John Wayne, Dan Dailey and Maureen O'Hara, based on the life of Frank "Spig" Wead and the history of U.S. Naval aviation from its inception through World War II. The film is ...
'' (1957) - Capt. Jock Clark * '' Monkey on My Back'' (1957) - Big Ralph * ''
The Joker Is Wild ''The Joker Is Wild'' is a 1957 American musical drama film directed by Charles Vidor, starring Frank Sinatra, Mitzi Gaynor, Jeanne Crain, and Eddie Albert, and released by Paramount Pictures. The film is about Joe E. Lewis, the popular si ...
'' (1957) - Captain Hugh McCarthy * '' The Tall Stranger'' (1957) - Hardy Bishop * '' Gunfire at Indian Gap'' (1957) - Sheriff Daniel Harris * '' Buchanan Rides Alone'' (1958) - Lew Agry * '' The Buccaneer'' (1958) - Commodore Patterson * '' Ice Palace'' (1960) - Einer Wendt * ''
Elmer Gantry ''Elmer Gantry'' is a satirical novel written by Sinclair Lewis in 1926 that presents aspects of the religious activity of America in fundamentalist and evangelistic circles and the attitudes of the 1920s public toward it. The novel's protagonis ...
'' (1960) - Police Capt. Holt * '' The Police Dog Story'' (1961) - Officer Bert Dana * '' Secret of Deep Harbor'' (1961) - Milo Fowler * '' The Clown and the Kid'' (1961) - Barker * ''
Jack the Giant Killer "Jack the Giant Killer" is a Cornish fairy tale and legend about a young adult who slays a number of bad giants during King Arthur's reign. The tale is characterised by violence, gore and blood-letting. Giants are prominent in Cornish folklor ...
'' (1962) - Sigurd * '' The Manchurian Candidate'' (1962) - Secretary of Defense * ''
Robin and the 7 Hoods ''Robin and the 7 Hoods'' is a 1964 American musical film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bing Crosby. The picture features Peter Falk, Barbara Rush, and an uncredited Edward G. Robin ...
'' (1964) - Police Chief Oscar C. Brockton (uncredited) * '' Rio Conchos'' (1964) - Croupier * ''
How to Murder Your Wife ''How to Murder Your Wife'' is a 1965 American black comedy film from United Artists, produced by George Axelrod, directed by Richard Quine, that stars Jack Lemmon and Virna Lisi. Quine also directed Lemmon in '' My Sister Eileen'', ''It Happ ...
'' (1965) - Club Member in Steam Room * '' Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!'' (1966) - 'D.G.', Movie Studio Boss (uncredited) * ''
The Love Bug ''The Love Bug'' is a 1968 American comedy film directed by Robert Stevenson and the first in a franchise by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by Buena Vista Distribution that starred an anthropomorphic pearl-white, fabric-sunroofed 19 ...
'' (1968) - Police Sgt. * '' The Extraordinary Seaman'' (1969) - Adm. Barnwell (final film role)


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Kelley, Barry American male film actors 1908 births 1991 deaths Male actors from Chicago 20th-century American male actors American male stage actors American male television actors Western (genre) television actors