John Breen was an American actor who is best known for his roles in various films and television series throughout the 1930s to the 1960s. Despite often being in the background, his performances contributed to many memorable scenes in classic cinema and television.
Personal and Family Life
John Breen was born on November 13, 1906, in New York, USA. Not much is known about his personal life, but it is clear that he dedicated a significant portion of his life to acting, often taking on small yet impactful roles in both film and television.
Career
John Breen began his film career in the 1930s and appeared in many movies until the early 1950s. His appearance and curly hair often limited him to supporting roles, usually as townspeople or courtroom spectators. In the 1950s, he transitioned successfully into television, appearing in popular shows like “Dangerous Assignment” and “Adventures of Superman.” Breen also found a niche in television westerns, working on shows such as “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke,” where he continued to play various character roles.
Death and Legacy
John Breen passed away on August 10, 1972, in Los Angeles, California. Although he may not have been widely recognized, his extensive work in film and television left a lasting impact on the industry. Breen’s dedication to his craft ensured that he will always be remembered as a familiar face in many classic productions.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| To Kill a Mockingbird | 1962-12-20 | Juror (uncredited) |
| High Noon | 1952-06-09 | Church Member (uncredited) |
| Somebody Up There Likes Me | 1956-07-04 | Hearing Spectator (uncredited) |
| Ringside | 1949-07-14 | Fight Spectator (uncredited) |
| I Wake Up Screaming | 1941-10-31 | Sidewalk passerby (uncredited) |
| The Furies | 1950-08-16 | Party Guest (uncredited) |
| Hollywood Canteen | 1944-12-15 | Soldier (uncredited) |
| Charlie Chan in The Jade Mask | 1945-01-26 | Police Officer (uncredited) |
| Footsteps in the Night | 1957-04-14 | Salesman (Uncredited) |
| For Me and My Gal | 1942-10-21 | Soldier (uncredited) |
| The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse | 1938-07-20 | Spectator at Robbery (uncredited) |
| It Happened on Fifth Avenue | 1947-04-17 | Man Tossing Pudding (uncredited) |
| There’s Always Tomorrow | 1956-01-08 | |
| Inside Daisy Clover | 1965-12-22 | Crew Member (uncredited) |
| Twilight of Honor | 1963-11-13 | Courtroom Spectator (uncredited) |
| Room for One More | 1952-01-10 | |
| On Dangerous Ground | 1951-12-13 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Hellgate | 1952-09-04 | Prisoner (uncredited) |
| Rancho Notorious | 1952-03-06 | Barfly (uncredited) |
| Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man | 1951-04-12 | Trainer (uncredited) |
| How the West Was Won | 1962-11-02 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| He Ran All the Way | 1951-06-20 | Co-Worker (uncredited) |
| Broken Lance | 1954-09-25 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| How to Marry a Millionaire | 1953-10-29 | Cook (uncredited) |
| Chicago Confidential | 1957-08-30 | |
| Ice Station Zebra | 1968-10-23 | Bar Patron (uncredited) |
| Illegal | 1955-10-09 | Courtroom Spectator (uncredited) |
| Monsieur Verdoux | 1947-09-26 | Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| Gone with the Wind | 1939-03-12 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Yankee Doodle Dandy | 1942-05-29 | Soldier (uncredited) |
| It’s Always Fair Weather | 1955-08-30 | Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| A Big Hand for the Little Lady | 1966-06-08 | Barfly (uncredited) |
| Gambit | 1966-12-21 | Cafe Patron (uncredited) |