Born: March 20, 1903 – Died: April 4, 1979
Born on March 20, 1903, in Humansville, Missouri, Edgar Buchanan was a versatile actor known for his distinctive gravelly voice and memorable roles in both films and television. His journey to the entertainment industry took an unexpected turn from his initial career as a dentist, having graduated from North Pacific Dental College. However, at the age of 36, he made a bold decision to leave dentistry behind and pursue acting. This courageous move led him to over 100 film appearances and iconic TV roles. Buchanan's contributions to the world of entertainment continue to be celebrated, making him a beloved figure in showbiz history.
Early Life and Career
Edgar Buchanan's early life was far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Born in Humansville, Missouri, on March 20, 1903, he embarked on a rather unconventional path to stardom. At the tender age of seven, he relocated with his family to Oregon, where his educational journey began. After completing his studies at the University of Oregon, Buchanan decided to follow in his father's footsteps, entering the world of dentistry. He earned his dental degree from North Pacific Dental College.
For almost a decade, from 1929 to 1937, Buchanan practiced oral surgery in Eugene, Oregon. However, destiny had other plans for him. He made a pivotal move to Altadena, California, and it was there that his life took a dramatic turn. He became associated with the Pasadena Community Playhouse, igniting a passion for acting that would change the course of his career.
In a bold and unexpected move, Buchanan bid farewell to dentistry at the age of 36, choosing to pursue his newfound love for acting. In 1939, he made his debut in the film industry, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
While his chubby face and distinctive gravelly voice made him a memorable presence in over 100 films, it was on television where Buchanan truly left an indelible mark. He's fondly remembered for his TV roles in popular shows like "Petticoat Junction," "Green Acres," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and more. These roles not only endeared him to audiences but also solidified his status as a beloved TV personality.
Throughout his career, Edgar Buchanan's talent was recognized with various awards and nominations, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In his personal life, he was married to Mildred Marguerite Spence for over five decades and had one child.
Edgar Buchanan's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable. His unique journey from dentistry to becoming a household name on television is a testament to his talent and determination. He's celebrated as an icon for his ability to effortlessly transition between different mediums and leave a lasting legacy in each. Buchanan's enduring charm, coupled with his memorable roles, continues to resonate with audiences, making him a true legend in the world of entertainment.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Benji | Bill |
| 1973 | Love, American Style (TV Series) | Judge Brockmerton (segment "Love and the Family Hour") |
| 1972 | The Partridge Family (TV Series) | Judge McElwreath |
| 1971–1972 | Cade's County (TV Series) | J.J. Jackson | J. J. Jackson |
| 1971 | The Marshal of Madrid (TV Movie) | Deputy JJ Jackson |
| 1971 | Yuma (TV Movie) | Mules McNeil |
| 1971 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Teddy Birdwell |
| 1970 | The Over-the-Hill Gang Rides Again (TV Movie) | Jason Fitch |
| 1970 | Mod Squad (TV Series) | Hargis |
| 1970 | The Name of the Game (TV Series) | Felson |
| 1963–1970 | Petticoat Junction (TV Series) | Uncle Joe Carson |
| 1969 | The Over-the-Hill Gang (TV Movie) | Jason Fitch |
| 1965–1969 | Green Acres (TV Series) | Uncle Joe Carson |
| 1969 | Angel in My Pocket | Axel Gresham |
| 1968 | The Beverly Hillbillies (TV Series) | Uncle Joe Carson |
| 1968 | Something for a Lonely Man (TV Movie) | Old Man Wolenski |
| 1967 | Welcome to Hard Times | Brown |
| 1966 | Gunpoint | Bull |
| 1965 | Karen (TV Series) | Uncle Jim Loggins |
| 1965 | The Man from Button Willow | Sorry (voice) |
| 1965 | The Rounders | Vince Moore |
| 1963 | Move Over, Darling | Judge Bryson |
| 1963 | McLintock! | Bunny Dull |
| 1963 | A Ticklish Affair | Captain Martin | Gramps |
| 1963 | Donovan's Reef | Boston Attorney Francis X. O'Brien |
| 1962–1963 | Dr. Kildare (TV Series) | Judge Wilfred Manning | Steve Devitt |
| 1962–1963 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | York | Dan |
| 1962–1963 | The Lloyd Bridges Show (TV Series) | Andrew Jackson Tyree | Doc Lawton |
| 1957–1963 | Leave It to Beaver (TV Series) | Uncle Billy | Uncle Billy Cleaver | Captain Jack |
| 1962 | Dennis the Menace (TV Series) | Mr. Meekin |
| 1962 | Wide Country (TV Series) | Walter Guthrie |
| 1958–1962 | Perry Mason (TV Series) | Judge Edward Daley | Andy Templet |
| 1962 | Have Gun - Will Travel (TV Series) | Noah Cardiff |
| 1960–1962 | Laramie (TV Series) | Cletus McBain | Tully Casper | Doc ... |
| 1962 | Stoney Burke (TV Series) | Vernon Dawes |
| 1962 | Alcoa Premiere (TV Series) | Crab Holman |
| 1960–1962 | Route 66 (TV Series) | Magistrate Abe Chumley | Jack McConkle |
| 1960–1962 | Outlaws (TV Series) | Neely | Nulty |
| 1962 | Ride the High Country | Judge Tolliver |
| 1962 | Thriller (TV Series) | Doc O'Connor |
| 1962 | The Twilight Zone (TV Series) | Doc Bolton |
| 1961 | The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) | Henry Wheeler |
| 1959–1961 | The Rifleman (TV Series) | Grandpa Fogarty | Doc J. Burrage | Doc Burrage |
| 1961 | Bus Stop (TV Series) | Judge Neal |
| 1961 | The Comancheros | Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus Jackson Breen |
| 1961 | The Bob Cummings Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1961 | The Tall Man (TV Series) | Archie Keogh |
| 1961 | Tammy Tell Me True | Judge Carver |
| 1961 | The Barbara Stanwyck Show (TV Series) | Judge Franklin |
| 1960–1961 | Bonanza (TV Series) | John Henry Hill | Hallelujah Hicks |
| 1961 | Bringing Up Buddy (TV Series) | Captain Cunningham |
| 1957–1961 | Tales of Wells Fargo (TV Series) | Doc Dawson | Bob Dawson |
| 1961 | National Velvet (TV Series) | Grandpa Harwell |
| 1961 | Klondike (TV Series) | Sam Perkins |
| 1958–1961 | Maverick (TV Series) | Red Daniels | Sheriff Hadley | Col. Hamilton ... |
| 1960 | Chartroose Caboose | Woodrow 'Woody' Watts |
| 1960 | The Jim Backus Show (TV Series) | Uncle Chester Danforth |
| 1960 | Riverboat (TV Series) | Wingate Pardee |
| 1960 | Cimarron | Judge Neal Hefner |
| 1957–1960 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Ben Mattox | Thaddeus Briscoe |
| 1960 | Stagecoach West (TV Series) | Lum Jensen |
| 1960 | Assignment: Underwater (TV Series) | Charlie Noble |
| 1960 | Bat Masterson (TV Series) | Cactus Charlie |
| 1960 | Bronco (TV Series) | 'Pop' Ben Owens |
| 1960 | Devil's Partner | Doc Lucas |
| 1960 | Four Fast Guns | Dipper |
| 1959 | Stump Run | Buck Gaskin |
| 1959 | The Deputy (TV Series) | Isbel |
| 1959 | Hound-Dog Man | Doc Cole |
| 1959 | Edge of Eternity | Sheriff Edwards |
| 1959 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Pops |
| 1959 | It Started with a Kiss | Congressman Richard Tappe |
| 1959 | Whirlybirds (TV Series) | Burton |
| 1955–1959 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Timothy Dwight | Doctor | Parson Meacham ... |
| 1959 | King of the Wild Stallions | Idaho |
| 1958–1959 | The Californians (TV Series) | Major | Dutch |
| 1959 | Wanted: Dead or Alive (TV Series) | Chester Blake | Pop Michaels |
| 1959 | Trackdown (TV Series) | Tully Saxon |
| 1959 | Lawman (TV Series) | Jess Miller |
| 1958 | Cimarron City (TV Series) | Shanty |
| 1958 | 26 Men (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | The Millionaire (TV Series) | William Vaughn |
| 1958 | The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna (TV Series) | Jasper Stokes |
| 1958 | Studio One (TV Series) | Dan Ferris |
| 1958 | The Restless Gun (TV Series) | Sheriff Jeb Barnes | Ethan Greenfield |
| 1958 | The Sheepman | Milt Masters |
| 1956–1958 | The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (TV Series) | Park Commissioner | Judge Willoughby |
| 1958 | The Adventures of Jim Bowie (TV Series) | Ringtail Jack |
| 1958 | Day of the Bad Man | Sam Wyckoff |
| 1957 | Climax! (TV Series) | Constable | Spencer |
| 1957 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Henry Maguire |
| 1957 | The Christophers (TV Series) | John Augustus |
| 1957 | Spoilers of the Forest | Tom Duncan |
| 1955–1956 | Judge Roy Bean (TV Series) | Judge Roy Bean |
| 1956 | Strange Stories (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Crossroads (TV Series) | Bart Alden |
| 1956 | Telephone Time (TV Series) | Horace Greeley |
| 1953–1956 | The Danny Thomas Show (TV Series) | Captain Critch | Captain Chris |
| 1956 | Come Next Spring | Mr. Canary |
| 1955 | Screen Directors Playhouse (TV Series) | Sub Doyal |
| 1955 | Luke and the Tenderfoot (TV Series) | Luke Herkimer |
| 1955 | Wichita | Doc Black |
| 1955 | The Lonesome Trail | Dan Wells |
| 1955 | The Ford Television Theatre (TV Series) | Papa Mumby |
| 1953–1955 | Cavalcade of America (TV Series) | Doc Mathew | Horace Greeley |
| 1955 | The Silver Star | Will 'Bill' Dowdy (as Edgar Buchanon) |
| 1955 | Rage at Dawn | Judge |
| 1954 | Waterfront (TV Series) | Oscar Hanline |
| 1954 | Destry | Mayor Sellers |
| 1954 | Dawn at Socorro | Sheriff Cauthen |
| 1954 | Human Desire | Alec Simmons |
| 1952–1954 | Hopalong Cassidy (TV Series) | Red Connors | Sheriff Red Connors |
| 1954 | Make Haste to Live | Sheriff Lafe |
| 1952–1954 | Crown Theatre with Gloria Swanson (TV Series) | Uncle Harry |
| 1953 | She Couldn't Say No | Ed Meeker |
| 1953 | Shane | Fred Lewis |
| 1953 | It Happens Every Thursday | Jake |
| 1952 | Toughest Man in Arizona | Jim Hadlock |
| 1952 | Wild Stallion | John Wintergreen |
| 1952 | Flaming Feather | Sgt. O'Rourke |
| 1952 | The Big Trees | Walter 'Yukon' Burns |
| 1951 | Silver City | Dutch Surrency |
| 1951 | Cave of Outlaws | Dobbs |
| 1951 | Rawhide | Sam Todd |
| 1951 | The Bigelow Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | The Great Missouri Raid | Dr. Samuels |
| 1950 | Hollywood Theatre Time (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | Devil's Doorway | Zeke Carmody |
| 1950 | The Big Hangover | Uncle Fred Mahoney |
| 1950 | Cheaper by the Dozen | Dr. Burton |
| 1950 | Cargo to Capetown | Sam Bennett |
| 1949 | Any Number Can Play | Ed |
| 1949 | Lust for Gold | Wiser |
| 1949 | Red Canyon | Jonah Johnson |
| 1949 | The Walking Hills | Old Willy |
| 1948 | The Man from Colorado | Doc Merriam |
| 1948 | The Untamed Breed | John Rambeau |
| 1948 | Coroner Creek | Sheriff O'Hea |
| 1948 | Best Man Wins | Jim Smiley |
| 1948 | Adventures in Silverado | Dr. H. C. Henderson |
| 1948 | The Black Arrow | Lawless |
| 1948 | The Wreck of the Hesperus | George Lockhart |
| 1948 | The Swordsman | Angus MacArden |
| 1947 | Framed | Jeff Cunningham |
| 1947 | The Sea of Grass | Jeff - Cook |
| 1946 | If I'm Lucky | Darius J. Magonnagle |
| 1946 | The Walls Came Tumbling Down | George Bradford |
| 1946 | Renegades | Kirk Dembrow |
| 1946 | Perilous Holiday | George Richards |
| 1946 | Abilene Town | Sheriff 'Bravo' Trimble |
| 1946 | The Bandit of Sherwood Forest | Friar Tuck |
| 1946 | The Fighting Guardsman | Pepe, Bandit-Valet |
| 1944 | Strange Affair | Police Lt. Washburn |
| 1944 | The Impatient Years | Judge |
| 1944 | Bride by Mistake | Jonathan Connors |
| 1944 | Buffalo Bill | Sgt. Chips McGraw |
| 1943 | Destroyer | Kansas Jackson |
| 1943 | Good Luck, Mr. Yates | Jonesey Jones |
| 1943 | The Desperadoes | Uncle Willie McLeod |
| 1943 | City Without Men | Judge Michael T. Mallory |
| 1942 | The Talk of the Town | Sam Yates |
| 1942 | Tombstone: The Town Too Tough to Die | Curly Bill Brocious |
| 1941 | You Belong to Me | Billings |
| 1941 | Texas | Buford 'Doc' Thorpe |
| 1941 | The Richest Man in Town | Pete Martin |
| 1941 | Her First Beau | Elmer Tuttle |
| 1941 | Penny Serenade | Applejack |
| 1940 | Arizona | Judge Bogardus |
| 1940 | The Sea Hawk | Ben Rollins (uncredited) |
| 1940 | When the Daltons Rode | Narrator | Blacksmith (uncredited) |
| 1940 | Escape to Glory | Charles Atterbee |
| 1940 | Tear Gas Squad | Cousin Andy |
| 1940 | 3 Cheers for the Irish | Party Guest (uncredited) |
| 1940 | Too Many Husbands | McDermott |
| 1939 | My Son Is Guilty | Bartender Dan |