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American actor (1908–1991) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edward Barry Kelley (August 19, 1908 – June 5, 1991) was an American actor on Broadway in the 1930s and 1940s and in films during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. The heavy-set actor created the role of Ike in Oklahoma! on Broadway. His large size and acting range had him playing primarily judges, detectives, and police officers.[1]
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2019) |
Barry Kelley | |
|---|---|
Kelley in The Asphalt Jungle (1950) | |
| Born | Edward Barry Kelley August 19, 1908 |
| Died | June 5, 1991 (aged 82) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1947–1969 |
The 6'4", 230-pound Kelley was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago (now at DePaul University).[2]
Kelley began acting on the stage in the 1930s.[3] His Broadway credits include Within the Gates (1934-1935), Parnell (1935-1936), Saint Joan (1936), Hamlet (1936-1937), The Wingless Victory (1936-1937), The Star-Wagon (1937-1938), Mamba's Daughters (1940), Strip for Action (1942-1943), Oklahoma! (1943-1948), Loco (1946), Wonderful Journey (1946-1947), and Portrait in Black (1947).[4]
In films, Kelley often portrayed cops or judges in films, including Boomerang (his first film in 1947), Knock on Any Door, Ma and Pa Kettle, and The Asphalt Jungle.[3] (Another source says, "His film debut was in the 1948 film noir Force of Evil.")[2] One of his best roles (for which he received third billing) was as the good-bad half brother of Joel McCrea in The Tall Stranger (1957).[5] Kelley had an uncredited role as a police chief in the 1964 Frank Sinatra musical Robin and the 7 Hoods.[6]
Kelley also appeared in dozens of television series. As in the movies, he was usually in westerns or crime dramas. In 1954 he appeared in a TV episode of The Lone Ranger entitled Texas Draw.[7]
In 1959, Kelley appeared as Josh Teller on Lawman in the episode titled "The Outsider."[8] He portrayed the recurring character Jim Rafferty in five episodes of the 1960–1961 situation comedy The Tom Ewell Show.[9] In 1961 he appeared as Governor Johnson on the TV western Lawman in the episode titled "Owny O'Reilly."[10]
In 1961, Kelley played Mr. Slocum, the boss of insurance agent Pete Porter, in six episodes of the CBS situation comedy, Pete and Gladys, starring Harry Morgan and Cara Williams.[11] Also in 1961, he played "Danceman" in the episode "Everyman" in Have Gun-Will Travel, plus as villain Frank Williams in the episode "Ledger of Guilt" in Bat Masterson.[12][13] Other western series he appeared in during this period included: Tales of Wells Fargo, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Laramie and Bronco.[14]
In 1962, Kelley played Captain Donovan in the episode "The Parish Car" of the ABC drama series, Going My Way, starring Gene Kelly.[15] Kelley guest starred three times in the western television series Bonanza between 1959 and 1965, playing different roles.[14] He played Judge Bryant in the episode "Trial at Tablerock" in Have Gun - Will Travel. He also appeared occasionally as Alan Young's father-in-law on the situation comedy Mister Ed (1961–1966).[16]
In 1964, he portrayed Hurley Feasel in the episode "Kate Flat on Her Back" of the CBS sitcom Petticoat Junction; in the credits of that episode his last name was spelled "Kelly."[17] In 1966 he played Park Milgrave in the Perry Mason episode, "The Case of the Fanciful Frail."[18] He portrayed a mayor on Rango in 1967 in the episode ""If You Can't Take It with You, Don't Go."[19]
Kelley's last television role was as Sheriff Vic Crandall in three more episodes of Petticoat Junction in 1967 and 1968.[14][20]
Kelley died in 1991 at the age of 82 in Woodland Hills, California.[21]
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