
Franklin Pangborn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Franklin Pangborn (January 23, 1889 – July 20, 1958) was an American comedic character actor famous for playing small but memorable roles with comic flair. He appeared in scores of feature films playing essentially the same character: prissy, polite, elegant, highly energetic, often officious, fastidious, somewhat nervous, prone to becoming flustered but essentially upbeat, and with immediately recognizable high-speed, patter-type speech. He typically played an officious desk clerk in a hotel, a self-important musician, a fastidious headwaiter, an enthusiastic birdwatcher, and the like, and was usually put in a situation of frustration or flustered by the antics of others. Pangborn was an effective foil for many major comedians.
Known for

The Colgate Comedy Hour
1950

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
1952

This Is Your Life
1952

Now, Voyager
1942

Lighthouse Love
1932

Romance on the High Seas
1948

My Man Godfrey
1936

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
1936

The Sin of Harold Diddlebock
1947

A Star Is Born
1937

Revlon Mirror Theatre
1953

Stage Door Canteen
1943

Stage Door
1937

She's Dangerous
1937

Flying Down to Rio
1933

Design for Living
1933

Vivacious Lady
1938

Easy Living
1937

Sullivan's Travels
1941

Carefree
1938

Imitation of Life
1934

The Bank Dick
1940

Christmas in July
1940

Turn Off the Moon
1937