Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

ANTHONY CARUSO (1916-2003)

The American character actor appeared in more than one hundred films, usually playing villains, gangsters, Native Americans, or a variety of ethnic characters. He made his film debut in 1940 and was often uncredited throughout the decade. Caruso's fortunes changed overnight after playing mobster Louis Ciavelli in The Asphalt Jungle (1950). By the mid-1950s, television became his medium, working steadily throughout the 1960s and 1970s on numerous popular series in Westerns, police dramas and comedies, where he often parodied a gangster persona. Caruso's face became very familiar. In the fantasy world of Hollywood, Caruso's life was 180 degrees from his many tough-guy roles. His passion for gardening and cooking, along with his wife of sixty-three years, continued after retirement from acting in 1990.

Discover more about Carsuso's career at IMBD.

Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

DOUGLAS KENNEDY (1915-1973)

The American character actor appeared in more than 190 films from the 1930s in uncredited spots, then in countless supporting roles through the 1960s. The 6' 3" Kennedy often portrayed Western villains, unscrupulous modern-day businessmen, as well as isolated romantic or positive leads in low-budget films. His long list of movie credits is nearly surpassed by his television appearances. Certainly becoming a more familiar face on the small screen. He appeared on many short-lived shows as well as long-running famous Westerns and modern-day crime series. Many of those were multiple appearances. His last credits were for three 1973 episodes of Hawaii Five-O. Kennedy died in Hawaii later that year.

Find out more about Kennedy's career at IMBD.