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Emory Parnell
Emory Parnell
Emory Parnell
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Emory Parnell (December 29, 1892 – June 22, 1979) was an American vaudeville performer and actor who appeared in over 250 films in his 36-year career.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Parnell was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent eight months in the Arctic in 1929, looking for gold in that area's wastelands.[1] He also worked as a telegrapher.[2]

Music

[edit]

Parnell spent his early years as a concert violinist. He performed on the Chautauqua and Lyceum circuits until 1930, when he relocated to Detroit, Michigan, to narrate and act in commercial and industrial films. A 1923 newspaper article described an upcoming Lyceum performance of "Emory Parnell, the one man band," saying that Parnell "plays an accordion, the snare drum and base [sic] drum, all at the same time."[3]

During part of the Chautauqua years, Parnell had a family act that included his wife. In 1970, she recalled, "[w]e covered every state as well as Canada, Alaska and New Zealand."[4] The Parnells resumed the act during the Korean War, doing "three to six programs a week in Army camps."[4]

Film

[edit]

Seeking better opportunities in Hollywood, Parnell and his wife moved to Los Angeles, California, where, helped by his red-faced Irish look of frustration, he immediately began to appear in films in roles such as policemen, doormen, landlords, and small town businessmen.[5] One of his first films was Doctor Rhythm (1938).[6]

Although his appearances were often in "B" films (playing storekeeper Billy Reed in several of the Ma and Pa Kettle movies), he also performed in "A" films, including portraying a Paramount studio executive who sang about avoiding libel suits to open 1941's Louisiana Purchase.[5] Parnell was also part of writer-director Preston Sturges' unofficial "stock company" of character actors in the 1940s, appearing in five of Sturges's films,[7] including The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, where he played the mean-spirited Mr. Tuerck, the chief antagonist of Constable Kockenlocker (played by William Demarest). He also appeared as grumpy socialite Ajax Bullion in the Three Stooges short subject All the World's a Stooge.

Radio

[edit]

In the late 1930s, Parnell was a member of the cast of Grouch Club on NBC.[8]

Stage

[edit]

In May 1949, Parnell appeared on Broadway for the first and only time, in the play Mr. Adam, which ran for only five performances.[9][10]

Television

[edit]

In the 1950s, Parnell began to appear on television in dramatic shows and situation comedies in roles similar to those that he had played in films. He portrayed William Bendix's factory foreman, Hank Hawkins, on The Life of Riley, and Bill Anders on five episodes of the ABC/Warner Brothers western series, Maverick.

Parnell appeared on the ABC/WB series, Conflict and The Alaskans, with Roger Moore, and a related NBC series, Klondike, with James Coburn and Ralph Taeger. He appeared in 1958 as fire chief Sam Carter in the television series The Real McCoys (S1E34 “Volunteer Fire Department”), and in 1960 in Waldo, an unsold television pilot that aired as an episode of the anthology series New Comedy Showcase.[11] In 1961, he appeared as Ira Ponder in the western series Bat Masterson (S3E18 "The Prescott Campaign"). He appeared in an episode of the NBC family drama, National Velvet and in a 1964 episode of Perry Mason as an angry investor in "The Case of the Latent Lover". In 1966 he portrayed Sheriff Blake in "Jury at the Shady Rest" on Petticoat Junction and in "Pig in a Poke" on Green Acres.

Later years

[edit]

As late as 1970, Parnell was traveling and entertaining with a family act—himself, his wife, and their grandson, Dennis Parnell.[4]

Parnell's last acting appearance on television was in 1971 as a prospector on CBS's Gunsmoke. His last film role was as a bartender in the 1973 film, Girls on the Road. His final public appearance came in 1974, when he and his wife were interviewed by TV talk-show host Tom Snyder along with other residents of the Motion Picture Country Home and Hospital.[citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

Parnell was married to Effie Laird, an actress who appeared with him both in vaudeville and in films.[2] They had two children together, one of whom, James Parnell, also became an actor. His son James died in 1961.[12]

Parnell owned a 36-foot yacht and was a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve.[13]

Selected filmography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Emory Parnell

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Emory Parnell (December 29, 1892 – June 22, 1979) was an American performer and who appeared in more than 250 s over a 36-year Hollywood career spanning from the late 1930s to the 1970s. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Parnell initially worked as a vaudevillian and concert violinist, touring circuits before entering in 1938 with roles in low-budget features like Arson Gang Busters and King of Alcatraz. His sturdy, rotund build and authoritative presence led to frequent portrayals of policemen, prison wardens, and other comedic or baffled authority figures in both dramas and comedies. Among his most notable film roles were small but memorable parts in Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent (1940), Preston Sturges's The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944), and Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), as well as appearances in I Married a Witch (1942), The Maltese Falcon (1941), and Sabrina (1954). In the 1950s, he transitioned to television, playing recurring characters such as the bartender in the western series Lawman and guest-starring in episodes of Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, Green Acres, and The Andy Griffith Show. Parnell was the father of actor James Parnell and grandfather of Dennis Parnell; he died of a heart attack in Woodland Hills, , at age 86 and was cremated, with his ashes given to family.

Early Years

Birth and Family

Emory Parnell was born on December 29, 1892, in St. Paul, . His parents were James Daniel Parnell (1859–1921) and Laura H. Mindrum Parnell (1865–1948). James worked for the railroad, which was undergoing significant expansion in Minnesota and into during that era. The family resided in St. Paul around 1900, reflecting the growing industrial opportunities in the region. He had three siblings: Lucille (1899–1908), Colleen (1903–1990), and Roy (1907–1973).

Education and Early Interests

Parnell pursued formal training in music at Morningside College, a Methodist institution in , where he honed his skills as a . This education laid the foundation for his early professional pursuits in performance. His early interests centered on , particularly the , which he played as a concert violinist. Parnell began performing in this capacity shortly after his training, touring various circuits to build his reputation. By the late and , Parnell's passion for led him to the and circuits, where he entertained audiences with recitals and occasionally participated in family acts. These experiences highlighted his versatility and commitment to live performance, bridging his musical background with emerging interests in .

Music Career

Concert Performances

Emory Parnell initiated his professional career as a ist, performing solo recitals and musical programs across the . Trained at Morningside College in , he honed his skills on the and began touring in the early , drawing on the era's demand for live entertainment in non-urban areas. His primary venue for these performances was the and circuits, popular traveling tent shows and lecture series that brought cultural and educational content to rural communities and small towns from the 1910s through the 1920s. On these circuits, Parnell delivered violin solos, often as part of broader assemblies featuring lectures, readings, and other acts, entertaining thousands of audiences annually with classical and popular pieces adapted for the format. These engagements established him as a versatile musician capable of captivating diverse crowds in makeshift venues like large tents erected in fields. In addition to standard violin work, Parnell occasionally incorporated novelty elements into his concerts, such as acting as a "one-man band" by simultaneously playing the , drums with his feet, and harmonica, adding a flair to his programs. This innovative style enhanced his appeal on the circuits, blending technical proficiency with showmanship. Parnell continued these concert tours until approximately 1930, after which he relocated to , , shifting focus toward and narration in industrial films.

Family Vaudeville Act

Emory Parnell and his wife, Effie Laird Parnell, formed a popular musical and variety duo known as the Parnells, performing on the and circuits beginning in the mid-1910s. Their act combined singing, instrumental solos, readings, and impersonations, with both partners proficient on , , and . By 1919, they were filling approximately 250 engagements annually, presenting two varied programs per appearance that showcased their talents in a way that rivaled larger ensembles, earning them recognition as "the biggest two-people company in the country." The duo's performances emphasized musical entertainment and character portrayals, with Effie delivering vocal solos and duets while Emory specialized in humorous impersonations, particularly of Swedish and Irish figures. In a 1915 Chautauqua event in Colfax, Wisconsin, they featured cello and organ selections alongside childlike impersonations, delighting audiences in both afternoon and evening shows. Emory also appeared in solo segments as a "one-man band," simultaneously playing accordion, snare and bass drums with his feet, and harmonica, complemented by baritone singing, storytelling, and further impersonations, as highlighted in a 1924 Lyceum advertisement in Decatur, Indiana. A 1920 Chautauqua promotion described them as "two of the cleverest musical entertainers on the platform." Though primarily a husband-and-wife team, the act evolved into a family endeavor during the era, occasionally incorporating their children, and resumed after a Depression-era pause. The Parnells entertained troops during the and continued touring into the 1970s, expanding to include their grandson Dennis Parnell by 1970. That year, they inaugurated Chatfield Western Days, a musical tradition in Effie's hometown of Chatfield, .

Acting Career

Film Roles

Emory Parnell's film career spanned from the late to the early , during which he amassed over 250 credits, predominantly in supporting roles as authoritative figures such as policemen, bankers, businessmen, and military officers. His robust physique and gravelly voice often cast him as hearty or blustery characters in B-movies and comedies, though he occasionally appeared in prestigious A-pictures directed by notable filmmakers. Parnell's breakthrough in films came in the early with roles in high-profile productions. In Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent (1940), he portrayed the "Mohican" captain, a minor but memorable part in the espionage thriller starring . He followed this with an uncredited appearance as the mate of the in John Huston's The Maltese Falcon (1941), a seminal featuring as detective . Another significant early role was as the Paramount studio executive in the musical comedy (1941), a vehicle that showcased his knack for portraying officious types. Throughout the 1940s, Parnell frequently played antagonists or comic foils in comedies and dramas. In ' The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944), he embodied the crooked banker Mr. Tuerck, a scheming figure opposite and in the satirical wartime farce. His dramatic turn as True Dawson, a villain in the thriller Violence (1947), highlighted his versatility in portraying tough, corrupt operatives amid a plot involving a veterans' organization turned criminal syndicate. In the comedy Here Comes Trouble (1948), Parnell appeared as Winfield Blake, the apoplectic publisher exasperated by a bumbling reporter's antics. The 1950s marked Parnell's most prolific period in films, often in Universal-International's popular series, where he recurrently played Billy Reed, the persistent traveling salesman peddling dubious gadgets to the rural Kettle family. Notable entries include (1949), Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm (1951), Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair (1952)—in which his Reed character competes in a local contest—and Ma and Pa Kettle at Home (1954). These lighthearted rural comedies, starring and , capitalized on Parnell's jovial yet scheming persona to provide comic relief. He also took on a subtle uncredited role as Charles the butler in Billy Wilder's romantic comedy Sabrina (1954), supporting and in scenes of domestic elegance. In later decades, Parnell's film work tapered off but included character parts in . He appeared as a prison official, Captain Duncan, in the gritty drama (1950), a production exploring Southern penal labor. His final notable screen role came in Robert Wise's thriller (1971), where he played an uncredited role as Pete 'Old Doughboy' Arnold. Overall, Parnell's film contributions emphasized reliable supporting performances that added texture to ensemble casts across genres.

Radio and Stage Work

Parnell began his professional entertainment career in vaudeville as a , performing as a with and . His stage work extended to Broadway in a limited capacity; in 1949, he made his sole appearance there in the comedy Mr. Adam by Jack Kirkland and Pat Frank, portraying the character Percy Klutz. The production opened on May 25 at the Royale Theatre (now the ) and closed after just five performances on May 29, due to poor reviews and low attendance. On radio, Parnell was active during the of broadcasting, contributing to several anthology and drama series in the late . He served as a regular cast member on The Grouch Club, a comedy-variety program hosted by that aired from September 1938 to March 1939, featuring satirical sketches and musical numbers. These roles highlighted his versatility in delivering authoritative or comedic supporting parts, aligning with his later screen persona as gruff authority figures.

Television Appearances

Parnell transitioned to television in the early , leveraging his experience in radio and to secure recurring and guest roles in popular series. His most notable recurring part was as Hank Hawkins, the gruff factory foreman and boss to William Bendix's Chester A. Riley, appearing in at least five episodes of the ABC sitcom from 1953 to 1958. This role showcased his ability to portray authoritative yet comedic figures, a staple in his TV work. He also had a recurring role as Hank the Bartender in the western series Lawman (1958–1960, 11 episodes). Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Parnell made over 100 guest appearances across a wide range of genres, often as policemen, businessmen, sheriffs, or neighbors, contributing to the era's anthology and sitcom boom. In the classic comedy I Love Lucy, he appeared in 1953 as a cop in the episode "The Girls Go Into Business," adding to the show's ensemble of quirky officials. He also featured in early episodes of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952) as Mr. Kelley and December Bride (1954) as Mr. Farnsworth, embodying the affable everyman in domestic comedies. In legal dramas, he appeared prominently; in Perry Mason (1964), he appeared as the irate investor Leo Mann in the episode "The Case of the Latent Lover," clashing with Raymond Burr's defense attorney. Later sitcoms like The Andy Griffith Show (1960) saw him as store owner Mr. Harper in "A Feud Is a Feud," and Petticoat Junction (1963) as Sheriff Blake in multiple episodes, highlighting his drawling, folksy charm. He guest-starred as Sheriff Blake in the Green Acres episode "A Pig in a Poke" (1966). Parnell's versatility extended to Westerns and dramas, where he frequently played lawmen or rugged supporting characters. He guest-starred in The Lone Ranger (1953) as a sheriff in "Diamond in the Rough," supporting Clayton Moore's titular hero. In the CBS Western Maverick (1962), he portrayed Clarence Bassett in "The Golden Fleecing," opposite James Garner. Into the 1970s, Parnell's roles grew sparser but remained impactful in established series. He played a general in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964) and Mr. Bradley in The Munsters (1964), blending military bluster with supernatural comedy. His final credited television appearance was as a prospector in two episodes of the long-running Western Gunsmoke in 1971, including "Waste: Part 1," marking the end of a prolific small-screen career that spanned nearly three decades.

Later Years

Final Professional Engagements

In the early 1970s, Emory Parnell continued to take on character roles in both film and television, often portraying grizzled, supporting figures that drew on his extensive experience in Westerns and dramas. His later film appearances included an uncredited role as the Old Man in the Laundromat in The Grasshopper (1970), a drama directed by about a woman's descent into the seedy underbelly of . This showcased Parnell's ability to embody weathered, everyday characters even in his late seventies. In 1971, he appeared uncredited as Pete "Old Doughboy" Arnold, a whose brief scene adds a touch of human vulnerability to the film's tense narrative of a deadly extraterrestrial microbe, in the thriller The Andromeda Strain, directed by and adapted from Michael Crichton's novel. That same year, Parnell made his last television appearance in two episodes of the long-running Western series , playing a prospector in the two-part story "Waste" (Season 17, Episodes 3 and 4). In this role, he portrayed a rugged frontiersman aiding Matt Dillon in a tale of and hardship, marking a fitting coda to his decades of work in the genre. His final credited film role was in 1972 as the Bartender in Girls on the Road, a low-budget exploitation drama about young women across America, where his brief appearance served as a offering terse advice. These engagements reflected Parnell's selective involvement in projects during his later years, prioritizing roles that aligned with his established persona as a reliable supporting player. Parnell's final public appearance came in 1974, when he and his wife were interviewed by TV talk-show host on the program Tomorrow, along with other residents of the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital, discussing their experiences.

Death

Emory Parnell died on June 22, 1979, at the age of 86. His death occurred in Woodland Hills, , , due to a heart attack. Following his passing, Parnell was cremated, with his ashes given to family or friends.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Parnell married actress Effie McLaird, professionally known as Effie , on August 27, 1913, at the in Chatfield, . The couple met earlier that year in , where Laird served as a lecturer for the Women's Christian Temperance Union and Parnell worked as a telegrapher. They remained married for over 65 years, until Parnell's death in 1979; Laird, born on July 30, 1888, in Chatfield, outlived him and passed away on September 4, 1986, in , . The couple collaborated professionally in , , and circuits, performing musical and dramatic acts together before transitioning to film in , with Laird appearing in supporting roles alongside her husband. They had two sons, including actor James Daniel Parnell (October 9, 1923 – December 27, 1961), who appeared in films such as (1961) and television series like U.S. Marshal (1958).

Military Service and Hobbies

Parnell had no recorded . Parnell developed a passion for early in life, training as a violinist before incorporating it into his performances. He became known as a versatile , capable of playing multiple instruments simultaneously as a , including the , , and , which added a unique dimension to his family act on the and circuits.

References

  1. https://www.classicmoviehub.com/bio/emory-parnell/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0663183/
  3. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6963335/emory-parnell
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0663183/bio/
  5. http://www.jimnolt.com/effielairdp1.htm
  6. https://edurank.org/uni/morningside-college/alumni/
  7. https://travsd.wordpress.com/2019/12/29/emory-parnell-the-big-swede/
  8. https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn96088415/1919-06-13/ed-1/seq-4.pdf
  9. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/542753919/
  10. https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=DCDD19240219.1.1
  11. https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=HT19200603.2.47.2
  12. https://www.postbulletin.com/western-days-musicals-20-and-counting
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/124875-emory-parnell
  14. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/75400/foreign-correspondent
  15. https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/27025
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1947/05/10/archives/timely-but-routine.html
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/1948/04/15/archives/at-loews-state.html
  18. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/82219/ma-and-pa-kettle
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1952/07/12/archives/ma-and-pa-kettle-at-the-palace.html
  20. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/16295/sabrina
  21. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/70569/chain-gang
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066769/fullcredits/
  23. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/mr-adam-1837
  24. https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/actors/emery-parnell
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609358/
  26. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/emory-parnell/credits/3030003657/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0635361/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065795/fullcredits/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0594577/fullcredits/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068640/fullcredits/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21872184/
  32. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/emory-parnell
  33. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120862053/effie-parnell
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0481960/
  35. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47544543/james_daniel-parnell
  36. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0663189/
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