Russell Simpson
Acting
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Russell McCaskill Simpson (June 17, 1880, Danville, California – December 12, 1959, Woodland Hills, California) was an American character actor who appeared in over 500 movies. He is best known for his "grizzled old man" appearances. Gaunt, lanky, and rustic-sounding, Simpson was a familiar character actor for almost forty-five years, particularly as a member of the John Ford Stock Company. At age 18 Simpson prospected for gold in Alaska. He began taking acting classes in Seattle, Washington. In 1910 he married Gertrude Alter from New York City. By 1909, he had gone into the theatre. He appeared in at least two plays on Broadway between 1909 and 1912, and made his motion picture debut in Cecil B. DeMille's 1914 original film version of The Virginian in a bit part. By 1923, when the film was remade, Simpson had progressed to playing the lead villain. Throughout his career, Simpson worked for 12 years in road shows, stock companies, and on Broadway. He didn't usually perform lead roles, but he did star in many movies throughout the silent movie era. He performed a lead role as the grandfather in Out of the Dust (1920). Simpson is best known for his work in the films of John Ford and, in particular, for his portrayal of Pa Joad in The Grapes of Wrath (1940). His final film was The Horse Soldiers, his tenth film for Ford. Simpson worked up to 1959, the year of his death. He was the president of the Overseas Phonograph Accessories Corporation.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
as Fred Bixby
Age 74 (now 79)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
as Kenneth Allen (uncredited)
Age 59 (now 79)
Friendly Persuasion
as Brother Griffith - Elder (uncredited)
Age 76 (now 79)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
as Fred Bixby
Age 74 (now 79)
The Gal Who Took the West
as Bartender (as old Timer)
Age 69 (now 79)
Roughly Speaking
as The Colonel - Drill Instructor (uncredited)
Age 64 (now 79)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
as Kenneth Allen (uncredited)
Age 59 (now 79)
The Girl of the Golden West
as Fred - Outrider in Prologue
Age 57 (now 79)
Yodelin' Kid from Pine Ridge
as Bayliss Baynum
Age 56 (now 79)
Stolen by Gypsies or Beer and Bicycles
as Speaker
Age 53 (now 79)
The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
as Sam
Age 70 (now 79)
Gathering insights...
Also Known As
Russell McCaskill Simpson, Russel Simpson
IMDB
nm0801193