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Tom London (born Leonard T. Clapman;[1] August 24, 1889 – December 5, 1963) was an American actor who played frequently in B-Westerns. According to The Guinness Book of Movie Records, London is credited with appearing in the most films in the history of Hollywood. The 2001 book Film Facts likewise says that the performer who played in the most films was "Tom London, who made his first of over 2,000 appearances in The Great Train Robbery, 1903.[2] He used his birth name in films until 1924.[1]
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, London got his start in movies as a props man in Chicago, Illinois. His debut was in 1915 in the Western Lone Larry, performing under his own name. The first film in which he was billed under his new name was Winds of Chance, a World War I film, in which he played "Sgt. Rock". London was a trick rider and roper, and used his trick skills in scores of Westerns. In the silent-film era, he often played villainous roles, while in later years, he often appeared as the sidekick to Western stars such as Sunset Carson in several films.
One of the busiest character actors, he appeared in over 600 films. London made many guest appearances in television shows through the 1950s, such as The Range Rider, with Jock Mahoney and Dick Jones. He also played Sam, the attendant of Helen Ramirez's (Katy Jurado) in High Noon. His last movie was Underworld U.S.A. in 1961, and his final roles on TV were in Lawman and The Dakotas.
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London married actress Edith Stayart (1890 - August 7, 1970), born Edythe B. Stayart,[citation needed] who has several roles in films in the 1920s including Nan of the North.[3] On July 5, 1952, he married Louvie Munal in Del Rio, Texas.[4]
London died at his home in North Hollywood at age 74.[5]
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