Noah Beery Jr.

A genial, durable character actor, Noah Beery Jr. enjoyed a lengthy career with over 100 film and television credits.

Beery came from a distinguished family of film actors. His father was one of the most notable screen villains of the first half century of American cinema, and his uncle, Wallace Beery, was a prolific silent screen star. Tthough less attention-getting in his acting style, Beery Jr. brought warmth and good humor to career spanning six decades.

The long-time resident of Hart Flat made his film debut in 1920 at age seven in the Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckler, The Mark of Zorro, playing opposite his father. His busiest period of activity began during the Depression when he appeared in scores of westerns, serials and other action fare, typically as the hero's sidekick.

Beery's notable film credits include Of Mice and Men, Red River and The Spirit of St. Louis. He also appeared in such noteworthy fare as Sergeant York, Inherit the Wind, and the musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Beginning in the 1950s, Beery’s easy manner made him a television favorite. He played the circus clown pal of the title character in Circus Boy and joined the cast of Riverboat, playing alongside Darren McGavin and Burt Reynolds. His best-known TV role was as James Garner's amiable father on the long-running detective series The Rockford Files.