J. Pat O'Malley

J. Pat O'Malley
As "Perkins" in the 1955 hit television serial, Spin and Marty
Born	James Patrick Francis O'Malley (1904-03-15)15 March 1904 Burnley, Lancashire, England, U.K.
Died	27 February 1985(1985-02-27) (aged 80) San Juan Capistrano, California, U.S.
Cause of death	Cardiovascular disease
Occupation	Singer, composer, songwriter, actor, music director
Years active	1929–1985
Spouse(s)	Fay M. O'Malley (19??–1985; his death)
Children	2 children

James Patrick Francis O'Malley (March 15, 1904 in Burnley, Lancashire – February 27, 1985 in San Juan Capistrano, California) was an English singer and character actor, who appeared in many American films and television programs from the 1940s to 1982, using the stage name J. Pat O'Malley. He also appeared on the Broadway stage in Ten Little Indians (1944) and Dial M for Murder (1954).

A New York Times drama critic praised O'Malley's performance in Ten Little Indians, calling him "a rara avis, a comedian who does not gauge the success of his efforts by the number of laughs he induces at each performance".

O'Malley began his career in entertainment in 1925 as a recording artist and then as principal singer with Jack Hylton and his orchestra in the United Kingdom from 1930 to 1933. Known at that time as Pat O'Malley, he recorded more than four hundred popular songs of the day. He began a solo recording career in 1935 in parallel with his work with Hylton.

At the end of 1935, Hylton and O'Malley came to the United States to record with a band composed of American musicians, thus emulating Ray Noble and Al Bowlly. The venture was short-lived. O'Malley remained in the U.S., known professionally as J. Pat O'Malley (to avoid confusion with another film actor named Pat O'Malley), he had a long and varied acting career including the film Lassie Come Home in 1943 as "Hynes".

O'Malley guest starred in 1951 as a sheriff on Bill Williams's syndicated western series, The Adventures of Kit Carson. From 1950-55, he appeared in five episodes of The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse. From 1951-57, he was cast in eight episodes of another anthology series, Robert Montgomery Presents. Other television work from this period include roles in Walt Disney's Spin and Marty film (1955) and serial (1955-57) as the always-faithful ranch steward, Perkins.