Biography
Franklin Pangborn (23 January 1889 – 20 July 1958) was an American character actor who appeared in numerous feature films, typically in small comic roles. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he began his career on stage after an encounter with actress Mildred Holland led to touring work from around 1910. He served in the US Army during the First World War.
Pangborn became known for playing officious, flustered figures such as hotel clerks, tailors and managers. Among his credited roles are Mr. Douglas in Design for Living (1933), the tailor in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), Billy Moon in A Star Is Born (1937), J. Pinkerton Snoopington in The Bank Dick (1940), Mr. Casalsis in Sullivan's Travels (1941) and Mr. Thompson in Now, Voyager (1942). He also appeared in several films directed by Preston Sturges and worked with W. C. Fields. A star was placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in his honour in 1960.
