Art Ellison

Art Ellison was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Carnival of Souls,” “Paper Moon,” and “Friendly Persuasion.” Born on July 24, 1899, in Potsdam, New York, he later moved to Kansas City, Missouri.

Personal and Family Life

Ellison moved with his family to Kansas City in 1914. He began working at the Kansas City Power and Light Company at the age of 18 and continued there until his retirement in 1966. Alongside his job, he pursued acting, which eventually became a significant part of his life.

Career

His acting journey started in 1924 with a musical comedy for the Kansas City Women’s Athletic Club. He became involved with several local theater groups and made USO appearances during World War II. Ellison was also active in radio and television, playing roles in local shows and industrial films. After retiring from his job, he fully committed to acting and gained roles in notable films and TV movies.

Death and Legacy

Art Ellison passed away on February 11, 1994, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 94. He was well-respected for his talent in mastering dialects and his makeup skills. Several theater awards recognized his contributions, and his scrapbooks documenting his theater activities are preserved at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Carnival of Souls 1962-11-02 Minister
The Perfect Crime 1955-12-31 Grocery Clerk
Paper Moon 1973-05-09 Silver Mine Gentleman
Friendly Persuasion 1975-05-18 N/A