Born: December 8, 1899 Died: September 12, 1987
John Qualen was a remarkable character actor who made a significant impact on the film industry during the first four decades of sound films. While his face was familiar to many, his name remained relatively unknown. Born to Norwegian parents in Canada, Qualen's father was a minister, and the family later relocated to Elgin, Illinois in the United States. Qualen's interest in acting was sparked during his time at Northwestern University, where he won an oratory contest that led to a scholarship. Throughout his career, Qualen became known for his portrayal of Scandinavians and other diverse ethnicities, showcasing his versatility as an actor. One of his most memorable roles was as the pitiful Muley in John Ford's masterpiece "The Grapes of Wrath". Despite his failing eyesight in later years, Qualen continued to leave his mark on the industry until his death in 1987.
Early Life and Career
Qualen's attended Northwestern University, where his interest in acting was ignited when he won an oratory contest and received a scholarship. It was during this time that he began appearing in tent shows on the Lyceum-Chautauqua circuit and in stock theater.
Qualen made his professional debut in the play "Street Scene" in New York in 1929, where he played the role of the Swedish janitor. He reprised this role two years later in the film adaptation of the play. It was around this time that he first worked with director John Ford, beginning a collaboration that would span over thirty-five years.
While Qualen played a wide range of characters throughout his career, his portrayal of Muley in Ford's "The Grapes of Wrath" is considered one of his most iconic roles. The film, released in 1940, had a profound impact on his career and showcased his exceptional acting abilities.
Qualen's contributions to the film industry were highly regarded. He was a prominent member of Ford's renowned stock company and worked consistently until his final years.
In terms of his personal life, Qualen had three children named Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Meredith. He served as the treasurer of The authors Club and was the historian of The Masquers, a social group for actors in Hollywood.
John Qualen's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry lies in his remarkable talent as a character actor. While his name may not be familiar to many, his face and performances are instantly recognizable. He left an indelible mark with his versatile portrayals of various ethnicities, particularly Scandinavian characters. Qualen is considered a respected figure in the industry, admired for his long and successful career in film.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Movin' On (TV Series) | Liggett |
| 1973 | The Streets of San Francisco (TV Series) | Frank Casey |
| 1973 | Frasier, the Sensuous Lion | Old Man on Porch |
| 1973 | The F.B.I. (TV Series) | Gas Station Attendant |
| 1971–1973 | The Odd Couple (TV Series) | Mr. Larson | Groundskeeper | Sam Mitchell |
| 1972 | Wednesday Night Out (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1972 | The Partridge Family (TV Series) | The Old Man |
| 1972 | Getting Away from It All (TV Movie) | Charlie Erickson |
| 1971 | Make Room for Granddaddy (TV Series) | Folsom |
| 1971 | Medical Center (TV Series) | Charlie |
| 1968–1970 | Green Acres (TV Series) | Willie Dunhill | Mr. Appleby |
| 1969 | Hail, Hero! | Billy Hurd |
| 1969 | Doc (TV Movie) | Luke |
| 1968 | Firecreek | Hall |
| 1967 | P.J. | Poppa Gonowski |
| 1967 | I Spy (TV Series) | Hannos |
| 1967 | The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin | Barber (uncredited) |
| 1966 | The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. (TV Series) | Dr. Elmer Spritzer |
| 1966 | Shane (TV Series) | Old Man |
| 1966 | Jericho (TV Series) | Heern Hentje |
| 1966 | A Big Hand for the Little Lady | Jesse Buford |
| 1966 | Hazel (TV Series) | Mr. Johansson |
| 1966 | Burke's Law (TV Series) | Richard Prince |
| 1966 | The Donna Reed Show (TV Series) | Zeke |
| 1961–1965 | Mister Ed (TV Series) | Justice of Peace | Milo Simmons | Axel the Handyman |
| 1965 | A Patch of Blue | Mr. Faber |
| 1965 | Sally and Sam (TV Movie) | Picket |
| 1965 | The Sons of Katie Elder | Charlie Biller |
| 1965 | I'll Take Sweden | Olaf |
| 1963–1965 | Ben Casey (TV Series) | John Paul McGarrity | Mr. Wren |
| 1965 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1965 | Those Calloways | Ernie Evans |
| 1964 | Dr. Kildare (TV Series) | Mr. Callahan |
| 1964 | No Time for Sergeants (TV Series) | Dr. Grant |
| 1964 | Cheyenne Autumn | Svenson (uncredited) |
| 1964 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Gosta Swenson |
| 1964 | The Danny Thomas Show (TV Series) | Swenson | Swenson, the Janitor |
| 1964 | 7 Faces of Dr. Lao | Luther Lindquist |
| 1964 | My Favorite Martian (TV Series) | Matt |
| 1963 | The Prize | Oscar |
| 1963 | The Third Man (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1963 | Donovan's Reef | Deckhand Who Cries 'Man Overboard' (uncredited) |
| 1963 | Wide Country (TV Series) | Dr. Henry Demeter |
| 1963 | The Real McCoys (TV Series) | Frank |
| 1963 | Death Valley Days (TV Series) | Joe Gray |
| 1962 | Laramie (TV Series) | Mr. Elbee |
| 1960–1962 | Lawman (TV Series) | Doc Shay | Doc Shea | Doc Shannon |
| 1962 | The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance | Peter Ericson |
| 1962 | The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) | Henry Bennett |
| 1958–1961 | Maverick (TV Series) | Henry Albright | Leland Mills |
| 1961 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Parley |
| 1961 | The Barbara Stanwyck Show (TV Series) | Sam Lundborg |
| 1961 | Two Rode Together | Ole Knudsen |
| 1961 | Thriller (TV Series) | Streetcar Conductor |
| 1961 | Outlaws (TV Series) | Mr. Fremont |
| 1961 | Klondike (TV Series) | Larsen |
| 1960 | North to Alaska | Logger Judge |
| 1960 | Tate (TV Series) | Sam |
| 1960 | Sea Hunt (TV Series) | Ulie Olafsen |
| 1960 | Elmer Gantry | Sam - Storekeeper (uncredited) |
| 1960 | Sugarfoot (TV Series) | Jens Jensen |
| 1960 | Overland Trail (TV Series) | Circuit Judge |
| 1960 | Hell Bent for Leather | Old Ben |
| 1958–1960 | The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna (TV Series) | Olaf Hansen | Clancy |
| 1959 | The Alaskans (TV Series) | Jack Despain |
| 1959 | Tightrope (TV Series) | Lucas |
| 1959 | Bronco (TV Series) | Mr. Colby |
| 1959 | Anatomy of a Murder | Deputy Sheriff Sulo |
| 1958–1959 | The Californians (TV Series) | Vinegar Pete Jones | J. Jimmerson Jones |
| 1959 | Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV Series) | Cooper |
| 1958 | This Is Alice (TV Series) | Albert Hodgins |
| 1958 | Yancy Derringer (TV Series) | Capt. Sven Larsen |
| 1958 | Revolt in the Big House | Doc |
| 1958 | The Gun Runners | Pop |
| 1958 | My World Dies Screaming | Jonah Snell |
| 1956–1957 | Matinee Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1957 | Cheyenne (TV Series) | Charley Dolan |
| 1957 | The Big Land | Sven Johnson |
| 1957 | Lux Video Theatre (TV Series) | Eddie |
| 1955–1957 | December Bride (TV Series) | The Count | Mr. Thompson |
| 1956 | This Is the Life (TV Series) | Henry Becker |
| 1956 | The Millionaire (TV Series) | Harry Stonewall Jackson |
| 1956 | Climax! (TV Series) | Geist |
| 1956 | Johnny Concho | Jake |
| 1956 | The Searchers | Lars Jorgensen |
| 1956 | Crossroads (TV Series) | Etienne | Dr. Axel Johnson |
| 1956 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Mr. Crabtree | Elmer Shore | Mr. Stepp |
| 1956 | Father Knows Best (TV Series) | Old Man |
| 1955 | Man on a Bus (Short) | Second prisoner |
| 1955 | At Gunpoint | Livingstone |
| 1955 | Science Fiction Theatre (TV Series) | Prof. Samuel Avery |
| 1955 | The Sea Chase | Chief Engineer Schmitt |
| 1955 | Unchained | Leonard Haskins |
| 1952–1954 | The Ford Television Theatre (TV Series) | Francois | Sparks |
| 1954 | The Other Woman | Papasha |
| 1954 | Passion | Gaspar Melo |
| 1954 | The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse (TV Series) | Toby |
| 1954 | The Student Prince | Willie Klauber |
| 1954 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Gus Gruntle |
| 1953–1954 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Peleg Brewster | Pop Bradshaw |
| 1954 | The High and the Mighty | Jose Locota |
| 1954 | Public Defender (TV Series) | Ames |
| 1954 | Omnibus (TV Series) | (segment "The House") | Storekeeper J.P. (segment "Nobody's Fool") |
| 1953 | Cavalcade of America (TV Series) | Waddell |
| 1953 | Dragnet (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Footlights Theater (TV Series) | Sparks |
| 1953 | I, the Jury | Dr. Vickers |
| 1953 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Francis Covers the Big Town | Defense Attorney Cavendish (uncredited) |
| 1953 | Ambush at Tomahawk Gap | Jonas P. Travis |
| 1953 | Your Favorite Story (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951–1953 | Hollywood Opening Night (TV Series) | Carl Anders |
| 1952 | Hans Christian Andersen | Burgomaster |
| 1952 | Rebound (TV Series) | Prospector |
| 1952 | Celanese Theatre (TV Series) | Chris |
| 1952 | Chevron Theatre (TV Series) | Toby |
| 1951 | Racket Squad (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Goodbye, My Fancy | Professor Dingley |
| 1951 | Stars Over Hollywood (TV Series) | Carl Anders |
| 1951 | Belle Le Grand | Corky McGee |
| 1950 | The Flying Missile | Lars Hansen |
| 1950 | The Jackpot | Mr. Ferguson (uncredited) |
| 1950 | Woman on the Run | Maibus |
| 1950 | Buccaneer's Girl | Vegetable Man |
| 1950 | Captain China | Geech |
| 1949 | The Big Steal | Julius Seton |
| 1948 | Hollow Triumph | Swangron |
| 1948 | 16 Fathoms Deep | Capt. Athos |
| 1948 | My Girl Tisa | Svenson |
| 1948 | On Our Merry Way | Mr. Atwood (deleted sequence) (uncredited) |
| 1948 | Alias a Gentleman | No End |
| 1948 | Reaching from Heaven | The Stranger |
| 1947 | The Fugitive | A Refugee Doctor |
| 1947 | High Conquest | Peter Oberwalder Sr. |
| 1947 | Song of Scheherazade | Lorenzo |
| 1945 | Adventure | Model T |
| 1945 | Captain Kidd | Bart Blivens |
| 1945 | River Gang | Uncle Bill |
| 1945 | It Happened in Springfield (Short) | Unknown |
| 1945 | Roughly Speaking | Svend Olsen |
| 1944 | Dark Waters | Uncle Norbert |
| 1944 | An American Romance | Anton Dubechek |
| 1944 | Strange Confession | Monge |
| 1943 | Swing Shift Maisie | Horatio Curley |
| 1942 | Arabian Nights | Aladdin |
| 1942 | Casablanca | Berger |
| 1942 | Tortilla Flat | Jose Maria Corcoran |
| 1942 | Larceny, Inc | Sam Bachrach |
| 1942 | The Jungle Book | The Barber |
| 1941 | All That Money Can Buy | Miser Stevens |
| 1941 | New Wine | Hasslinger's Clerk |
| 1941 | The Shepherd of the Hills | Coot Royal |
| 1941 | Out of the Fog | Olaf Johnson |
| 1941 | Million Dollar Baby | Dr. Patterson |
| 1941 | Model Wife | The Janitor |
| 1940 | Youth Will Be Served | Clem Howie |
| 1940 | The Long Voyage Home | Axel |
| 1940 | Knute Rockne All American | Lars Knutson Rockne |
| 1940 | Angels Over Broadway | Charles Engle |
| 1940 | Babies for Sale | Howard Anderson |
| 1940 | On Their Own | Peters |
| 1940 | Ski Patrol | Gustaf Nerkuu |
| 1940 | Saturday's Children | First Carpenter (uncredited) |
| 1940 | Blondie on a Budget | Mr. Ed Fuddle |
| 1940 | The Grapes of Wrath | Muley |
| 1940 | His Girl Friday | Earl Williams |
| 1939 | Four Wives | Frank |
| 1939 | Thunder Afloat | Milo |
| 1939 | Honeymoon in Bali | Meek Man |
| 1939 | Career | Jeff Trotter (uncredited) |
| 1939 | Mickey the Kid | Mailman |
| 1939 | Let Us Live | Dan (uncredited) |
| 1939 | Stand Up and Fight | Davy |
| 1938 | The Strange Case of Dr. Meade | Stoner |
| 1938 | Five of a Kind | Asa Wyatt |
| 1938 | The Mad Miss Manton | Subway Watchman |
| 1938 | The Texans | Swede (uncredited) |
| 1938 | The Chaser | Lars |
| 1938 | Joy of Living | Oswego |
| 1937 | The Bad Man of Brimstone | 'Loco' |
| 1937 | Nothing Sacred | Fireman (uncredited) |
| 1937 | Fit for a King | Otto |
| 1937 | She Had to Eat | Sleepy |
| 1937 | Fifty Roads to Town | Sheriff Dow |
| 1937 | Angel's Holiday | Waldo Everett |
| 1937 | Seventh Heaven | Sewer Rat |
| 1936 | Reunion | Asa Wyatt |
| 1936 | Girls' Dormitory | Toni |
| 1936 | Meet Nero Wolfe | Olaf |
| 1936 | The Road to Glory | Scared Soldier |
| 1936 | The Country Doctor | Asa Wyatt |
| 1936 | Wife vs. Secretary | Mr. Jenkins (uncredited) |
| 1936 | Ring Around the Moon | Bill Harvey |
| 1935 | Man of Iron | Collins - a Factory Worker |
| 1935 | Whipsaw | Will Dabson |
| 1935 | The Three Musketeers | Planchet |
| 1935 | Thunder in the Night | Hotel Porter |
| 1935 | Orchids to You | Smith |
| 1935 | The Farmer Takes a Wife | Sol Tinker |
| 1935 | Doubting Thomas | Von Blitzen |
| 1935 | Silk Hat Kid | Mr. Fossbender |
| 1935 | Chasing Yesterday | Aristide Coccoz |
| 1935 | Black Fury | Mike (as John T. Qualen) |
| 1935 | The Great Hotel Murder | Ole |
| 1935 | One More Spring | Auctioneer |
| 1935 | Charlie Chan in Paris | Concierge |
| 1934 | 365 Nights in Hollywood | Prof. Herman Ellenbogen |
| 1934 | Servants' Entrance | Detective |
| 1934 | Straight Is the Way | Mr. Clapman (uncredited) |
| 1934 | Our Daily Bread | Chris |
| 1934 | He Was Her Man | Dutch - Santa Avila's Cabbie |
| 1934 | Private Scandal | Schultz (uncredited) |
| 1934 | Sing and Like It | Oswald (as John M. Qualen) |
| 1934 | Upperworld | Chris--Janitor |
| 1934 | Hi, Nellie | Steve (uncredited) |
| 1934 | Fugitive Lovers | Distressed Parent (uncredited) |
| 1933 | Let's Fall in Love | Svente Bjorkman (uncredited) |
| 1933 | Counsellor at Law | Johan Breitstein |
| 1933 | The Devil's Brother | Man Who Owned the Bull (unconfirmed, uncredited) |
| 1931 | Arrowsmith | Henry Novak (uncredited) |
| 1931 | Street Scene | Karl Olsen (as John M. Qualen) |
| 1931 | The Easiest Way | Man Shaving in Room Across Alley (uncredited) |
