Elisha Cook Jr.
Elisha Cook Jr. | |
|---|---|
Cook in Wildcat (1942) | |
| Born | Elisha Vanslyck Cook Jr. December 26, 1903 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | May 18, 1995 (aged 91) Big Pine, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1926–1988 |
| Spouses | Mary Gertrude Dunckley
(m. 1928; div. 1941)Peggy McKenna
(m. 1943; div. 1968)
(m. 1971) |
Elisha Vanslyck Cook Jr. (December 26, 1903 – May 18, 1995) was an American character actor famed for his work in film noir. According to Bill Georgaris of They Shoot Pictures, Don't They, Cook appeared in 21 films noir, more than any other actor or actress. He played cheerful, brainy collegiates until he was cast against type as the bug-eyed baby-faced killer Wilmer Cook in the 1941 version of The Maltese Falcon. He went on to play deceptively mild-mannered villains. Cook's acting career spanned more than 60 years, with roles in productions including The Big Sleep, Shane, The Killing, House on Haunted Hill and Rosemary's Baby.