Howard Smith (actor)
| Howard Smith | |
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| Born |
Howard Irving Smith August 12, 1893 Attleboro, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | January 10, 1968 (aged 74) Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Howard I. Smith |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1918–1967 |
| Spouse(s) | Lillian Boardman |
Howard Irving Smith (August 12, 1893 in Attleboro, Massachusetts – January 10, 1968 in Hollywood, California) was an American character actor with a 50-year career in vaudeville, theatre, radio, films and television. In 1938 he performed in Orson Welles's short-lived stage production and once-lost film, Too Much Johnson, and in the celebrated radio production, "The War of the Worlds". He portrayed Charley in the original Broadway production of Death of a Salesman and recreated the role in the 1951 film version. On television Smith portrayed the gruff Harvey Griffin in the situation comedy, Hazel.
Howard Irving Smith was born August 12, 1893, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, to parents George H. Smith and Sybelle Pollard Smith.
Smith began as a concert singer, but his hopes of an opera career were ended after his service in the 77th Infantry Division in World War I. Enrico Caruso suggested that he try a musical act in vaudeville. He formed a team with his friend Harry Meeker and later, as a comedian, he shared bills with Frank Fay, Sophie Tucker, James Barton and Bessie Clayton.
In 1928, with big-time vaudeville ending, Smith landed a job on radio's popular The Collier Hour, and received $35 for three minutes work. His radio career continued with The March of Time, Cavalcade of America, Forty Minutes in Hollywood and Crime Doctor. Smith created the role of Sergeant Velie in The Adventures of Ellery Queen. He played the role of Will Brown, Homer's father, on radio's The Aldrich Family and later reprised the role on the NBC television series.
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