Ronald Whelan (actor)

Ronald Albert Whelan (2 November 1905–1965) (real name Ronald Waxman) was an Australian actor, assistant director and unit manager. He was the son of actor Albert Whelan.

Whelan alternated between England and Australia. He established himself Britain as an actor and danceer in revues and musical comedies. He alsp appeared in revues in Australia such as Snap (1924).

A 1937 article claimed Whelan "has appeared in about 100 British films, yet he has not had a part in which he could use natural manner. He has played Jewish, Scottish, Irish, Spanish, Italian, German, and gangster (American) parts, and has always spoken broken English or dialect."

Whelan returned to Australia in 1933. In the 1930s Whelan regularly worked for Cinesound Productions as an actor (usually in villainous roles) and assistant director. In December 1935 he was involved in a car accident.

He moved to the US and worked steadily as a character actor. He died in Los Angeles in 1965.