Jack Elam

A former Navy veteran and financial professional with a strikingly unique appearance, Jack Elam becomes a legendary character actor, mastering the art of the Western villain before reinventing himself as a comedy icon.

Born

1920

Died

2003

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Acted for six decades — 94 credits.

Remembered for

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Biography

William Scott "Jack" Elam was an American film and television actor renowned for his roles as villains in Western films, later transitioning to comedic roles. A distinctive feature of his appearance was his misaligned eye, which became a memorable aspect of his on-screen persona. Prior to his acting career, Elam worked in finance and served two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 73 films and at least 41 television series.

Filmography · 94 of 94

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