Frank Albertson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frank Albertson
Albertson in the trailer for Fury (1936)
Born	Francis Healey Albertson (1909-02-02)February 2, 1909 Fergus Falls, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	February 29, 1964(1964-02-29) (aged 55) Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Resting place	Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1923–1964
Children	5

Frank Albertson (born Francis Healey Albertson; February 2, 1909 – February 29, 1964) was an American actor. He played many supporting roles in movies and TV shows. You might know him from famous films like It's a Wonderful Life (1946) or Psycho (1960).

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Frank Albertson was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was the first child of Frank B. and Mary Albertson. He spent his childhood in Frazee and later in Puyallup, Washington. When he was a young man in Los Angeles, he worked in a photo shop. This job helped him meet people who led him to start his acting career.

Frank Albertson's Acting Career

Frank Albertson appeared in over 100 movies and television shows. His career lasted from 1923 to 1964.

Early Film Roles

When he first started acting, he often sang and danced in movies. Some of these films include Just Imagine (1930) and A Connecticut Yankee (1931). He also had important roles in Alice Adams (1935), where he played the main character's brother. In Room Service (1938), he acted alongside the famous Marx Brothers.

World War II Service

During World War II, Albertson joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. He worked in the First Motion Picture Unit. Here, he helped make training films for the military.

Later Film Roles

As he got older, Albertson took on more supporting and character roles. One of his most famous later roles was Sam Wainwright in It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Sam was a friendly businessman known for saying "Hee-Haw!" He also played Tom Cassidy, a rich rancher, in the movie Psycho (1960). His character provides the money that Janet Leigh's character steals. One of his last movie appearances was in the musical Bye Bye Birdie (1963). He played Sam, the confused mayor of Sweet Apple, Ohio.

Television Appearances

Albertson also appeared in many television shows.

• In 1950, he starred in an episode of Armstrong Circle Theatre.
• He played future U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1956 episode of My Friend Flicka.
• He was a guest star in the western show The Californians.
• He appeared twice in the crime show Richard Diamond, Private Detective.
• In 1959 and 1962, he had different roles on the sitcom The Real McCoys.
• He was in an episode of Colt .45 in 1960.
• In 1960, he played Johnny Kent on Cheyenne.
• He played Mr. Cooper in five episodes of Bringing Up Buddy (1960-61).
• In 1962, he appeared on the TV western Lawman.
• His very last acting role was on The Andy Griffith Show. He played a Marine commander. This episode aired in May 1964, a few months after he passed away.

Frank Albertson's Death

Frank Albertson died in his sleep at his home in Santa Monica, California. He passed away on February 29, 1964, when he was 55 years old. It was believed he had a heart attack. He had five children from his two marriages. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City in California.

Recognition and Hollywood Star

Frank Albertson was honored for his work in the film industry. He received a motion picture star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find his star at 6754 Hollywood Boulevard. It was dedicated on February 8, 1960.

Filmography

Selected Television Appearances