Jack Elam

Biography

Colorful American character actor equally adept at vicious killers or grizzled sidekicks. As a child he worked in the cotton fields. He attended Santa Monica Junior College in California and subsequently became an accountant and, at one time, manager of the Bel Air Hotel. Elam got his first movie job by trading his accounting services for a role. In short time he became one of the most memorable supporting players in Hollywood, thanks not only to his near-demented screen persona but also to an out-of-kilter left eye, sightless from a childhood fight. He appeared with great aplomb in Westerns and gangster films alike, and in later years played to wonderful effect in comedic roles.

Known For

Once Upon a Time in the West

as Frank's Gunman

High Noon

as Charlie - Drunk in Jail (uncredited)

The Twilight Zone

as Avery

The Cannonball Run

as Doctor

Home Improvement

as Hick Peterson

Bonanza

as Dodie Hoad

Bonanza

as Honest John

Bonanza

as Buford Buckalew

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid

as Alamosa Bill Kermit

Kiss Me Deadly

as Charlie Max