Samuel S. Hinds

Samuel S. Hinds

from the trailer for
Grand Central Murder (1942)
Born Samuel Southey Hinds
April 4, 1875
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died October 13, 1948 (aged 73)
Pasadena, California, U.S.
Cause of death
Pneumonia
Resting place
Inglewood Park Cemetery
Occupation Actor
Years active 1926–48
Spouse(s) Dorothy Cruickshank (2 children)
Samuel Hinds in Stage Door (1937)

Samuel Southey Hinds (April 4, 1875 October 13, 1948) was an American actor who often portrayed kindly authority figures like the father of George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life.

Life and career

Samuel S. Hinds is perhaps best remembered for playing Peter Bailey, the father of James Stewart and founder of the Bailey Building and Loan, in It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and for his part as Paul Sycamore in You Can't Take It With You (1938), both films by Frank Capra. Hinds was also known for his roles in the Abbott & Costello films such as Buck Privates (1941), Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942) and Pardon My Sarong (1942). The character actor mostly played supporting roles, mostly kind and dignified authority figures; often lawyers, doctors, mayors, judges or the father of the main figure.

Hinds was born in Brooklyn, New York as the great-grandson of poet Robert Southey. He was a Harvard Law School graduate and worked for over 32 years as a lawyer before becoming an professional actor. After he lost most of his money in the financial crisis of 1929, Hinds retired as a lawyer[1] and started acting in Broadway shows at age 54. In 1932, Hinds acted a bit part in his first film If I Had a Million (1932), his second film was The Road Is Open Again (1933) where he portrayed President Woodrow Wilson. His earlier career was reflected in the role of Judge Thatcher, tortured by the mad Dr. Richard Vollin (Bela Lugosi) in The Raven (1935).

Hinds acted in a total of 214 films. His last film was The Bribe, released in 1949, after his death. He died of pneumonia in Pasadena, California on October 13, 1948 at age 73. He was married to Dorothy Cruickshack, they had two children.

Partial filmography

References

Links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Samuel S. Hinds.