Tom London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom London
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London in Platinum Blonde (1931)
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| Born |
Leonard T. Clapman
August 24, 1889 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Died | December 5, 1963 (aged 74) North Hollywood, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Glendale, California |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1915–1962 |
| Spouse(s) | Edith Stayart (m. 19??; div. 19??) Frances McClellan (m. 1934; div. 19??) Louvie Munal
(m. 1952) |
Tom London (born Leonard T. Clapman; August 24, 1889 – December 5, 1963) was an American actor. He was famous for appearing in many Western movies, especially low-budget ones known as B-Westerns. Some movie records suggest that Tom London appeared in more films than almost anyone else in Hollywood history. One book, Film Facts (2001), even says he made over 2,000 appearances, starting with The Great Train Robbery in 1903. He used his birth name, Leonard T. Clapman, in films until 1924.
Contents
Tom London's Amazing Acting Career
Early Life and First Steps in Movies
Tom London was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He began his journey in the movie business in Chicago, Illinois, working as a props man. A props man helps set up all the objects and items needed for a movie scene.
His first acting role was in 1915. It was in a Western movie called Lone Larry. For this film, he used his real name. He started using his new stage name, Tom London, in the 1925 World War I film Winds of Chance, where he played a character named "Sgt. Rock".
Becoming a Western Movie Star
Tom London was very skilled at trick riding and roping. He used these special talents in many of his Western films. In the early days of silent movies, he often played the bad guy. Later in his career, he frequently appeared as a helpful friend or "sidekick" to other Western stars, like Sunset Carson.
He was a very busy actor, appearing in over 600 films throughout his career. This shows how much he loved acting and how often he worked!
Famous Roles and TV Appearances
Tom London also made many guest appearances on television shows during the 1950s. You might have seen him in shows like The Range Rider. He also played a character named Sam in the famous Western movie High Noon.
His last movie was Underworld U.S.A. in 1961. He continued acting on TV for a short time after that. His final TV roles were in the series Lawman and The Dakotas.
His Family Life
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Tom London was married to an actress named Edith Stayart. She also appeared in several films in the 1920s, including Nan of the North. Later, on July 5, 1952, he married Louvie Munal in Del Rio, Texas.
Later Years and Legacy
Tom London passed away at his home in North Hollywood when he was 74 years old. He left behind a huge collection of films and a legacy as one of Hollywood's most hardworking actors.
Selected Movies of Tom London
Tom London appeared in hundreds of movies across many decades. Here are just a few examples of his work:
- The Great Train Robbery (1903) - One of his earliest roles.
- The Lion's Claws (1918)
- Nan of the North (1922)
- Our Hospitality (1923)
- Winds of Chance (1925) - His first film using the name Tom London.
- The King of Kings (1927)
- All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
- Platinum Blonde (1931)
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)
- The Ox-Bow Incident (1942)
- Batman (1943) - A movie serial.
- Captain America (1944) - Another movie serial.
- High Noon (1952) - A very famous Western film.
- Tarantula (1955)
- Friendly Persuasion (1956)
- Underworld U.S.A. (1961) - One of his last films.
Images for kids
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London in Platinum Blonde (1931)
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Cast photo from Nan of the North including Tom London (second from left) and Edith Stayart
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London and Virginia Brown Faire in Exhibitors Herald, 1920
