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J.M. Kerrigan
J. M. Kerrigan in Undercover Agent.jpg
J.M. Kerrigan in Undercover Agent (1939)
Born
Joseph Michael Kerrigan

(1884-12-16)16 December 1884
Dublin, Ireland
Died 29 April 1964(1964-04-29) (aged 79)
Resting place Holy Cross Cemetery
Occupation Actor
Years active 1907–1960

Joseph Michael Kerrigan (born December 16, 1884 – died April 29, 1964) was a talented actor from Ireland. He became well-known for his many roles in plays, movies, and TV shows.

Early Life and Beginnings

Joseph Michael Kerrigan was born in Dublin, Ireland, on December 16, 1884. At that time, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. He went to school at Belvedere College. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a newspaperman.

A Career on Stage and Screen

J.M. Kerrigan started his acting journey in 1907. He joined the Irish National Theatre, which later became famous as the Abbey Players. He was a part of this group for many years.

From Dublin to Broadway

By the 1920s, Kerrigan was performing on Broadway in New York City. He often acted in plays by famous writers like Shakespeare and Ibsen. He appeared in 35 different Broadway shows during his career. One notable play was Outward Bound in 1924.

Moving to Hollywood Films

Kerrigan made his first movie appearance in 1916. He acted in six silent films that year. In 1935, he moved to Hollywood for good. He was asked to be in the movie The Informer, directed by John Ford.

He played many different characters in films. In The Informer and The Long Voyage Home, he played characters who were not always good. They would sometimes take advantage of others. One of his most famous roles was in The General Died at Dawn. Here, he played a character named Leach, who was a tricky thief.

Memorable Movie Roles

Kerrigan had smaller parts in some films, but they were still important. For example, he was in Merely Mary Ann (1931). A very recognizable role for him was in the classic movie Gone with the Wind (1939). He played Johnny Gallagher, a mill owner.

Later, he appeared in Walt Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). This movie was based on Jules Verne's famous novel. Kerrigan had a small role at the start of the film.

Television Appearances and Legacy

J.M. Kerrigan acted in a total of 114 movies, both short and full-length. From 1952 to 1960, he also appeared in episodes of 15 different TV series. He had a long and busy career.

Kerrigan passed away in Hollywood on April 29, 1964, at the age of 79. His contributions to entertainment are remembered with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find it at 6621 Hollywood Boulevard.

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