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Joe Kirkwood Jr.
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Joe Kirkwood Jr.
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Lobby card with Joe Kirkwood Jr. as the boxer Joe Palooka

Key Information

Reginald Thomas Kirkwood (30 May 1920 – 7 September 2006), better known as Joe Kirkwood Jr., was a professional golfer on the PGA Tour and a film actor.[1][2] He started going by the name Joe Jr. in the late 1930s.[1][3]

Biography

[edit]

Kirkwood was born in Melbourne, Australia. His father, Joe Kirkwood Sr., was a golf pro acknowledged as having put Australian golf on the world map. In 1948, father and son both made the cut at the U.S. Open, the first father and son duo to do so (a record they held until 2004). When the younger Kirkwood won the 1949 Philadelphia Inquirer Open, they became the third father and son winners in the history of the PGA Tour.[4] Kirkwood Jr. also won the Ozark Open in 1950 and defeated Sam Snead to win the 1951 Blue Ribbon Open in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Kirkwood served in both the U.S. Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II but was medically discharged from both services for asthma and high blood pressure that he suffered from since childhood.[5] In 1945, Kirkwood was invited by Monogram Pictures to test for the role of boxer Joe Palooka, a popular comic book character. He got the part and starred in Joe Palooka, Champ (1946) as well as ten additional Joe Palooka films through 1951. Kirkwood returned to the role in the 1954 television series The Joe Palooka Story.

In the late 1950s, Kirkwood, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1620 Vine Street, was one of the reporters on the NBC Radio program Monitor. He also hosted a show, "Let's Play Golf", on Los Angeles station KHJ-TV.[6]

Kirkwood and his wife, Joyce Woltz, owned bowling centers in Studio City, Los Angeles and Porterville, California, and owned property in Princeville, Hawaii.[7]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1946 Joe Palooka, Champ Joe Palooka
1946 Night and Day Classmate Uncredited
1946 Gentleman Joe Palooka Joe Palooka
1947 Joe Palooka in the Knockout
1947 Joe Palooka in Fighting Mad
1948 Joe Palooka in Winner Take All
1948 Joe Palooka in the Big Fight
1949 Joe Palooka in the Counterpunch
1950 Joe Palooka Meets Humphrey
1950 Joe Palooka in Humphrey Takes a Chance
1950 Joe Palooka in the Squared Circle
1951 Joe Palooka in Triple Cross
1961 The Marriage-Go-Round Henry 'Doc' Granger (final film role)

Personal life

[edit]

Kirkwood married Joyce Woltz in 1962.[8] His first marriage, to Cathy Downs, lasted from 1949[9] until their divorce in 1955.[10] Downs and Kirkwood starred together in The Joe Palooka Story TV series from 1954 to 1955.

Kirkwood died 7 September 2006, in Hesperia, California.[11]

Professional wins (3)

[edit]

PGA Tour wins (2)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory		 Runner-up Ref
1 22 May 1949 Philadelphia Inquirer Open −12 (68-66-68-74=276) 4 strokes United States Johnny Palmer [12]
2 22 Jul 1951 Blue Ribbon Open −13 (72-66-69-64=271) 2 strokes United States Sam Snead [13]

Source:[14]

Other wins (1)

[edit]

References

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

Joe Kirkwood Jr.

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from Grokipedia
Joe Kirkwood Jr. (May 30, 1920 – September 7, 2006) was an Australian-born American professional golfer and actor, renowned for his two victories and for starring as the titular character in the film series. The son of pioneering Australian golfer Joe Kirkwood Sr., who secured 13 wins including the 1923 California Open—the first by an Australian—Kirkwood Jr. followed in his father's footsteps as a professional on the tour. He achieved his first victory at the 1949 Inquirer Open and his second at the 1951 Blue Ribbon Open, where he defeated , marking the third instance of a father-son duo winning on the . Together with his father, they became the first father-son pair to make the cut at a major championship during the 1948 U.S. Open at . Kirkwood Jr. also competed in other majors, including the (best finish: T7 in 1949), the U.S. Open (best: T5 in 1950), and the , though he did not claim a major title. Transitioning to acting in the mid-1940s, Kirkwood Jr. leveraged his athletic build and charm to portray the naive boxer in 11 low-budget films produced by from 1946 to 1951, starting with Joe Palooka, Champ. He reprised the role in the 1954–1955 syndicated television series The Joe Palooka Story, starring alongside his then-wife , and made guest appearances on shows like The Red Skelton Hour. Known for his commitment to authentic fight scenes—once being knocked unconscious twice—Kirkwood Jr. earned a star on the in the television category on February 8, 1960, at 1632 .

Early Life and Family

Birth and Childhood

Joe Kirkwood Jr. was born Reginald Thomas Kirkwood on May 30, 1920, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He was the second of two sons in a family deeply immersed in the world of professional golf. His father, Joseph Henry Kirkwood Sr., was a pioneering Australian golfer who achieved significant success on the international stage, securing 13 PGA Tour victories between 1923 and 1933, including the 1923 California Open, which marked him as the first Australian winner on the tour. Kirkwood Sr.'s career also featured triumphs in Australia and New Zealand, such as the 1920 Australian Open, won just months after his son's birth, and he became renowned for his trick-shot exhibitions during global tours alongside legends like Walter Hagen starting in 1924. These tours exposed the family to the sport's worldwide appeal, fostering a dynamic household where golf was central; Kirkwood Sr. and his wife raised their boys amid the demands of his traveling profession, instilling discipline and passion for athletics from an early age. Young Reginald's childhood in was profoundly shaped by his father's influence, as Kirkwood Sr. personally taught him the fundamentals of during their time Down Under. This early exposure sparked Reginald's interest in sports, including , which he pursued alongside other activities, drawing inspiration from his father's tales of international competitions and trick-shot artistry that captivated audiences abroad. Anecdotes from the era highlight how Kirkwood Sr.'s absences on tour motivated his son, who idolized these exploits and began emulating them on local courses, laying the groundwork for his own athletic ambitions. By his teenage years, Reginald adopted the professional billing of "Joe Kirkwood Jr." to honor his father and align with the family's golfing legacy, a name that would carry him into competitive and circles.

Relocation and Family Influence

In the early 1920s, shortly after Joe Kirkwood Jr.'s birth in , , his family relocated to the , initially settling in , , where his father, Joe Kirkwood Sr., pursued opportunities in professional . The family established permanent residence in the U.S. by 1926, allowing Kirkwood Sr. to build a prominent career as a golf professional and trick-shot artist at leading clubs, including a long tenure as head professional at Huntingdon Valley Country Club in from 1938 to 1949. Kirkwood Sr.'s role extended beyond club duties to coaching and exhibitions, directly shaping his son's development; young Kirkwood Jr. worked as an assistant to his father at Huntingdon Valley in 1940 and 1941, gaining hands-on experience in course management and competitive play. Kirkwood Jr.'s early exposure to sports was heavily influenced by his family's emphasis on physical fitness and athletic versatility, extending beyond golf to activities like tennis, swimming, and boxing. He attended a military academy in Georgia during his formative years, where he excelled in these disciplines, honing skills that complemented his emerging golf talent under his father's guidance. This period of mentorship culminated in notable father-son collaborations, such as their shared participation in tournaments; in 1948, at the U.S. Open at Riviera Country Club, both Kirkwoods made the cut—the first father-son duo to achieve this in the event's history, a record that stood until 2004. These experiences underscored the profound familial bond and professional synergy that propelled Kirkwood Jr. toward his own successes in golf.

Golf Career

Amateur Successes

Joe Kirkwood Jr. attended a in Georgia during his formative years, where he quickly distinguished himself as a versatile athlete. He excelled in a range of sports, including , , , and , showcasing remarkable skill and dedication across disciplines. At the academy, Kirkwood began competing and winning tournaments in these sports, which marked the start of his competitive success and led him to adopt the billing "Joe Kirkwood Jr." to leverage his father's fame in . These victories highlighted his all-around athletic prowess and laid the foundation for his emerging reputation as a prodigy, particularly in . Leading up to , Kirkwood participated in regional and inter-academy competitions, further honing his skills in amateur events and solidifying his standing as a promising talent in the sport. His multi-sport achievements during this period not only built his confidence but also positioned him for future professional aspirations in .

Professional Achievements and Wins

Joe Kirkwood Jr. turned professional before , working as an assistant at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, and resumed his competitive career on the in 1946 following his discharge from during the postwar resurgence of professional . His transition was influenced by his father's legacy as a prominent golfer, though Kirkwood Jr. quickly established his own presence in a competitive field that included legends like and . Kirkwood Jr. secured two PGA Tour victories, beginning with the 1949 Philadelphia Inquirer Open at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, where he set a course record en route to victory and became the third father-son duo in PGA Tour history to both claim wins, following his father's earlier successes. His most notable triumph came in the 1951 Blue Ribbon Open at North Hills Country Club in , where he defeated by two strokes with a final-round 64 that equaled the course record, solidifying the Kirkwoods as the third father-son pair with multiple PGA Tour wins combined. These victories, achieved in an era when purses were modest—totaling around $5,350 across his wins—underscored his skill amid the economic recovery and growing popularity of the sport post-war. In major championships, Kirkwood Jr. demonstrated competitive prowess without securing a title, posting several top-10 finishes that reflected his potential in high-stakes play. He finished seventh at the 1949 with a total of 290, contending strongly through three rounds before a final-round 75. The following year, he tied for fifth at the 1950 U.S. Open at , carding 289 to place among the leaders in Ben Hogan's legendary comeback victory. Additionally, he achieved a tied-10th finish at the 1950 , contributing to his reputation as a reliable performer in majors during the early 1950s. A family milestone occurred in 1948 when Kirkwood Jr. and his father both made the cut at the U.S. Open at —the first and, for decades, only father-son pair to do so—highlighting their shared talent in the professional arena. Overall, Kirkwood Jr.'s professional record included these two wins, with his career earnings placing him solidly among mid-tier competitors in the postwar era, before he shifted focus toward acting in the mid-1950s.

Military Service

Enlistment and World War II Duties

Joe Kirkwood Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, amid the ongoing efforts following the attack two years prior. Due to his preexisting conditions of and high , his service lasted only eight months before he received a medical discharge. Shortly thereafter, in 1944, Kirkwood joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, seeking to continue his military contribution despite his health challenges. He served briefly in the RCAF before being medically discharged again for the same reasons later that year, marking the end of his military involvement. This approximately two-year period of service, spanning 1943 to 1944, interrupted the early stages of his professional career, during which he had begun working as an assistant pro in prior to enlistment.

Medical Discharge and Impact on Career

Joe Kirkwood Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 but was medically discharged approximately eight months later in early 1944 due to chronic and high , conditions that prevented him from continuing military service. Following his discharge, Kirkwood underwent a period of recovery before returning to civilian life, where he resumed training under the guidance of his father, the renowned professional golfer Joe Kirkwood Sr. This health-related separation from service marked the end of his brief military involvement, allowing him to redirect his energies toward personal and professional pursuits in the postwar era. The medical discharge significantly delayed Kirkwood's full entry into professional golf, as his earlier successes in the early were interrupted by enlistment and challenges; his first victory did not come until 1949 at the , contributing to a relatively short competitive career on the tour with only three official wins between 1949 and 1951. These issues likely imposed ongoing physical limitations, affecting his endurance and consistency in the demanding professional circuit. By freeing Kirkwood from further duties at a young age, the discharge facilitated his transition to opportunities in the late 1940s, culminating in his Hollywood debut in as the title character in the film Joe Palooka, Champ, which launched a series of roles that became a primary focus alongside his endeavors.

Acting Career

Transition to Hollywood

Following his medical discharge from the U.S. Army in 1943 due to and high , as well as prior service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Joe Kirkwood Jr. pivoted from professional to , seeking to leverage his established reputation as an athlete and his robust, all-American physique for on-screen opportunities. His prior successes on the , including wins like the 1949 Philadelphia Inquirer Open, had already garnered media attention and connections within celebrity circles, including Hollywood figures who frequented events. This visibility positioned him as an ideal candidate for roles portraying strong, heroic characters, prompting initial scouting by studios looking for fresh talent with sports backgrounds. In late 1945, Kirkwood received an invitation from to audition for a lead role suited to his and athletic experience, marking his formal entry into testing. The following year, in 1946, he secured a contract with Warner Bros., debuting on screen in an uncredited cameo as a classmate in the Cole Porter biopic Night and Day. Though his Warner Bros. tenure yielded only minor appearances and ended shortly thereafter, these early steps, facilitated by an agent representing up-and-coming athletes-turned-actors, built momentum for subsequent contracts and positioned him for breakout sports-hero parts in Hollywood's B-picture landscape.

Joe Palooka Film Series

Joe Kirkwood Jr. was cast as the titular character in ' Joe Palooka film series, portraying the wholesome heavyweight boxer Joe Palooka, a character originating from Ham Fisher's and often described as the "Ideal American Boy" for his mild-mannered, heroic demeanor. Kirkwood's athletic physique, honed from his professional career, lent authenticity to the role, particularly in the boxing sequences that emphasized Palooka's physical prowess and moral integrity; he performed his own stunts, once being knocked unconscious twice during filming. The series consisted of 11 low-budget B-movies produced between 1946 and 1951, with Kirkwood starring in all entries alongside veteran comedian as Palooka's scheming manager, Knobby Walsh. The films followed a formulaic structure typical of Monogram's output, blending light comedy, romance, and boxing drama as Palooka navigated challenges in and out of the ring, often involving corrupt promoters or personal dilemmas. Key entries included Joe Palooka, Champ (1946), directed by Reginald Le Borg, which launched the series with Palooka defending his title against a rival; Gentleman Joe Palooka (1946), also directed by Le Borg, focusing on his efforts to maintain sportsmanship amid scandals; Joe Palooka in Fighting Mad (1948), directed by Reginald Le Borg, where Palooka aids a friend in a fixed-fight scheme; and Joe Palooka in the Big Fight (1950), directed by Cy Endfield, depicting a high-stakes championship bout. Various actresses portrayed Palooka's love interest, Ann Howe, including Elyse Knox in the initial films, adding romantic subplots to the action-oriented narratives. The series received modest critical attention but achieved commercial success through repeat viewings in double features, capitalizing on the comic strip's popularity during the post-World War II era. In 1954, the character was adapted into the syndicated television series The Joe Palooka Story, with Kirkwood reprising his role as the gentle boxer alongside his real-life wife, Cathy Downs, as Ann Howe. Produced by Guild Films, the show ran for one season of 26 half-hour episodes, airing from 1954 to 1955 and featuring supporting players like Sid Tomack as Knobby and former boxer Maxie Rosenbloom in recurring roles. The series expanded on the films' comedic tone, exploring Palooka's everyday life and romantic entanglements while incorporating light dramatic elements from the ring.

Later Roles and Media Appearances

Following the conclusion of the film series in 1951, Kirkwood Jr. took on a limited number of supporting and guest roles that often leveraged his athletic background and wholesome image. His only other credited film appearance besides the Palooka series came in 1961 with The Marriage-Go-Round, where he portrayed Henry "Doc" Granger, the father of the protagonist, in this romantic comedy directed by Walter Lang and starring , , and , following an uncredited role in 1946's Night and Day. This minor role marked the end of his on-screen acting career, as opportunities dwindled amid Hollywood's shifting landscape. Other sparse film credits from the were largely uncredited or brief, reinforcing his as rugged, sports-oriented characters rather than leading men. Kirkwood Jr. found more consistent work in television during the 1950s, appearing as a guest in several popular series that highlighted his golf expertise. In 1956, he featured on Matinee Theatre in an episode centered on sports themes, playing a character aligned with his real-life persona as a former professional golfer. He followed this with a 1957 guest spot on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet as a golf pro in the episode "The Tommy Brannigan Story," where his role involved instructional scenes that drew directly from his PGA Tour experience. Additionally, in 1958, he appeared on The Red Skelton Hour in the sketch "Deadeye the Indian Scout," sharing the screen with Skelton and Vanessa Brown in a comedic Western parody that played to his physicality and charm. Beyond acting, Kirkwood Jr. hosted the local Los Angeles program Let's Play Golf on KHJ-TV starting in the mid-1950s, co-hosting with figures like Chick Hearn and featuring celebrity guests such as Hoagy Carmichael to demonstrate golf techniques and tips. This instructional show aired regularly in the late 1950s, blending his entertainment skills with his sporting roots. On radio, Kirkwood Jr. contributed as a sports reporter for NBC's Monitor in the late , providing on-air commentary and coverage that capitalized on his insider knowledge of and athletics. Across his career, Kirkwood Jr. amassed approximately 15-20 credits in film and television, predominantly in supporting capacities that emphasized athletic figures, from boxers to golf instructors, reflecting persistent after his Palooka breakthrough. By the mid-1960s, with acting roles scarce, he pivoted toward business ventures, effectively concluding his media appearances.

Personal Life and Later Years

Marriages and Family

Joe Kirkwood Jr. married actress on October 8, 1949. The couple moved in Hollywood's social circles and co-starred in the film series, including Joe Palooka in the Big Fight (1950). Their marriage ended in divorce on February 24, 1955. The union with Downs produced no children. Kirkwood began a long-term relationship with Joyce Ann Woltz in 1968 and married her in 1962. This partnership endured until his death, marked by a stable family life away from the spotlight. They had no children together. He remained close to his in later years.

Business Ventures and Retirement

After concluding his acting career in the early , Joe Kirkwood Jr. transitioned into entrepreneurial pursuits, primarily in the and sectors. In 1956, he invested in and opened Kirkwood Bowl, a bowling center in Studio City, California, which quickly became a community hub known for its affordable during the post-war boom in family-oriented activities. This venture reflected his interest in sports-related businesses, drawing on his background as a professional to promote the facility through personal appearances. Kirkwood expanded his holdings in the late 1970s by acquiring , a smaller operation that he managed as a short-term investment. These bowling centers provided a stable revenue stream, supported by the earnings from his earlier successes in —where he secured two victories and amassed over $3,800 in prize money across 13 events in the 1950s—and his film roles, particularly the lucrative series that spanned 11 movies from 1946 to 1951. In 1979, Kirkwood entered semi-retirement with his wife, Joyce, relocating to , where they maintained a residence focused on a relaxed lifestyle. They also owned property in . He occasionally engaged in local events, capitalizing on his enduring reputation as a former touring professional and trick-shot performer to support community initiatives, though he largely stepped back from competitive play.

Death and Legacy

Joe Kirkwood Jr. died on September 7, 2006, in , at the age of 86, from pulmonary disease. In recognition of his acting achievements, Kirkwood was awarded a star on the at 1632 Vine Street on February 8, 1960, in the television category. Kirkwood's legacy endures as a trailblazing athlete-actor who transitioned seamlessly between professional and Hollywood, embodying the ideal of the versatile sportsman-entertainer in post-World War II America. As an Australian who thrived in American circuits, Kirkwood influenced a generation of trans-Pacific sports figures by demonstrating the viability of international success in U.S. professional athletics. His portrayal of Joe Palooka in a series of films from to has garnered renewed interest among enthusiasts and collectors, preserving his contributions to B-movie cinema. In golf histories, Kirkwood is noted for his post-war tournament successes and exhibition performances, which helped sustain and popularize the sport during its American resurgence.

References

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  9. http://philadelphia.pga.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1940-1949-Leaders-Legends-4.pdf
  10. https://www.vtcng.com/stowereporter/archives/kirkwood-left-big-impression-on-golf-in-stowe/article_3a793ff8-479b-57d1-a6cd-5122d1599bb1.html
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0456789/bio/
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  14. https://www.si.com/golf/news/ranking-the-greatest-father-son-combinations-in-pga-tour-history
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/23/archives/kirkwood-sets-new-course-record-to-annex-inquirer-golf-tourney.html
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1951/07/23/archives/kirkwood-is-victor-on-links-with-271-cards-7underpar-64-on-last.html
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  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1949/04/11/archives/snead-displaying-brilliant-putting-annexes-masters-golf-with-card.html
  20. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1950-us-open.html
  21. http://www.golfmajorchampionships.com/year/1950/1
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  23. http://philadelphia.pga.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1940-1949-Leaders-Legends.pdf
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038655/
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  30. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/82959/the-marriage-go-round
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  32. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Radio-Life/50s/57/TV-Radio-Life-1957-01-26.pdf
  33. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1047725-joe-kirkwood-jr
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0236157/bio/
  35. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154775353/reginald_thomas-kirkwood
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  37. https://www.morganfhbremenohio.com/obituaries/joyce-kirkwood-2
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  40. https://travsd.wordpress.com/2022/05/30/joe-kirkwood-jr-is-joe-palooka/
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