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Born: March 5, 1874 – Died: October 18, 1965
Henry Travers, the British-born actor known for his role as Clarence, James Stewart's guardian angel in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), was a seasoned performer on the English stage before moving to the U.S. in 1917. He honed his skills on Broadway with the Theatre Guild and went on to have a successful career in film. Travers' warm and grandfatherly presence endeared him to audiences over the next 25 years, with notable performances in films like "High Sierra" (1940) and "The Bells of St. Mary's" (1945). His portrayal of the befuddled angel Clarence in "It's a Wonderful Life" remains one of his most iconic roles. Travers passed away on October 18, 1965, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Henry Travers was born on March 5, 1874, in Prudhoe, Northumberland, England. Travers attended a university and then began his acting career on the English stage, gaining experience before immigrating to the United States in 1917. He found success on Broadway with the Theatre Guild before transitioning to a film career.
Travers' first notable film role was in "Reunion in Vienna" (1933). However, it was his role as Clarence in "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) that catapulted him into stardom. His portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable guardian angel became one of his most memorable characters and solidified his place in Hollywood history.
Throughout his career, Travers received critical acclaim for his performances. Although he was nominated for an Oscar, he did not win one during his lifetime. Off-screen, Travers was married to Ann (Glud) Courtland Murphy from 1955 until his death. They had no children.
Beyond his acting talents, Henry Travers was known for his philanthropic endeavors. He dedicated himself to various charitable causes throughout his life. His impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable, as he left behind a legacy of beloved characters and memorable performances. Today, Travers is considered a true icon in the industry and his contributions continue to be celebrated.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | The Girl from Jones Beach | Judge Bullfinch |
| 1949 | The Accused | Blakely - Romley's Assistant (uncredited) |
| 1948 | Beyond Glory | Pop Dewing |
| 1947 | The Flame | Dr. Mitchell |
| 1946 | It's a Wonderful Life | Clarence |
| 1946 | The Yearling | Mr. Boyles |
| 1946 | Gallant Journey | Thomas Logan |
| 1945 | The Bells of St. Mary's | Horace P. Bogardus |
| 1945 | The Naughty Nineties | Capt. Sam Jackson |
| 1945 | Thrill of a Romance | Hobart Glenn |
| 1944 | The Very Thought of You | Pop Wheeler |
| 1944 | Dragon Seed | Third Cousin |
| 1944 | None Shall Escape | Father Warecki |
| 1943 | Madame Curie | Eugene Curie |
| 1943 | The Moon Is Down | Mayor Orden |
| 1943 | Shadow of a Doubt | Joseph Newton |
| 1942 | Random Harvest | Dr. Sims |
| 1942 | Pierre of the Plains | Percival Wellsby |
| 1942 | Mrs. Miniver | Mr. Ballard |
| 1941 | Ball of Fire | Prof. Jerome |
| 1941 | I'll Wait for You | Mr. Miller |
| 1941 | The Bad Man | Mr. Hardy |
| 1941 | A Girl, a Guy, and a Gob | Abel Martin |
| 1940 | High Sierra | Pa |
| 1940 | Wyoming | Sheriff |
| 1940 | Anne of Windy Poplars | Matey |
| 1940 | Edison, the Man | Ben Els |
| 1940 | Primrose Path | Gramp |
| 1939 | Remember? | Judge Milliken |
| 1939 | The Rains Came | Rev. Homer Smiley |
| 1939 | Stanley and Livingstone | John Kingsley |
| 1939 | On Borrowed Time | Dr. Evans |
| 1939 | Dark Victory | Dr. Parsons |
| 1939 | Dodge City | Dr. Irving |
| 1939 | You Can't Get Away with Murder | Pop |
| 1938 | The Sisters | Ned Elliott |
| 1936 | Too Many Parents | Wilkins |
| 1935 | Seven Keys to Baldpate | Adalbert 'Lem' Peters | The Hermit |
| 1935 | Pursuit | Thomas 'Tom' Reynolds |
| 1935 | Escapade | Concierge |
| 1935 | Four Hours to Kill! | Mac Mason |
| 1935 | Captain Hurricane | Capt. Ben |
| 1935 | After Office Hours | Cap |
| 1935 | Maybe It's Love | Mr. Halevy |
| 1934 | Ready for Love | Judge Pickett |
| 1934 | The Party's Over | Theodore |
| 1934 | Born to Be Bad | Fuzzy |
| 1934 | Death Takes a Holiday | Baron Cesarea |
| 1933 | The Invisible Man | Dr. Cranley |
| 1933 | My Weakness | Ellery Gregory |
| 1933 | Another Language | 'Pop' |
| 1933 | Reunion in Vienna | Father Krug |