When the aficionados of 1930's movies here ponder great character actors and actresses, Ruth Donnelly, Frank McHugh, Aline McMahon, Hugh Herbert, Marie Dressler, Glenda Farrell, Guy Kibbee, Margaret Dumont, Jobyna Howland, Nat Pendleton, Allen Jenkins and just about everyone caricatured in Frank Tashlin's 1937 Looney Tune Porky's Road Race come to mind. That said, one who ranks atop our list of all-time favorite 20th century character actors is none other than the great Billy Gilbert.
Billy Gilbert is, among his numerous roles on stage, screen, radio and animation, well remembered for his memorable performance in Howard Hawks' His Girl Friday.
Character actors who also excel doing voice work in animated cartoons we love even more! The Disney Wiki elaborates:
Billy Gilbert was an American radio comedian, famous for his comical sneezing gags. For Disney, he provided the voice of Sneezy in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Willie the Giant in the Fun and Fancy Free segment Mickey and the Beanstalk.
It is believed by historian John Canemaker that Gilbert got the role of Sneezy by walking into Walt’s office for the audition. He sneezed 5 times and Walt said “Billy, you’ve got the job.”
SNEEZY IN SNOW WHITE 1
MICKEY AND THE BEANSTALK
The Giant Behind Willie from Jim Hill Media
Billy Gilbert sneezes in Million Dollar Legs!
OUR GANG SHIVER MY TIMBERS SPANKY
HAL ROACH TAXI BOYS
Billy reprises the raving loony he portrayed with relish in the Three Stooges opus Men In Black.
His Girl Friday
Stan Laurel was in the audience at Gilbert’s stage show Sensations of 1929 and hired Billy as a gag writer, actor and director.
He later starred in many movies, including His Girl Friday, Seven Sinners, Captain Courageous, and Tin Pan Alley.
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Billy is fantastic in Chaplin's The Great Dictator.
Stan Laurel was in the audience at Gilbert’s stage show Sensations of 1929 and hired Billy as a gag writer, actor and director.
He later starred in many movies, including His Girl Friday, Seven Sinners, Captain Courageous, and Tin Pan Alley.
Billy is fantastic in Chaplin's The Great Dictator. Unfortunately, can't find a Charlie Chaplin Estate channel on YouTube, Daily Mortion or Vimeo. Would love to have a Billy and Charlie GREAT DICTATOR clip from Chaplin's estate.
In the 1950’s, Gilbert worked frequently in television on such programs as The Red Skelton Hour.
Andy’s Gang
On Broadway, Billy worked in several productions as an actor, writer and director. These included acting roles in Fanny, The Chocolate Soldier, and Gypsy Lady. His offstage work included The Red Mill, Sally and Buttrio Square.
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