Keenan Wynn, (27 July, 1916 – 14 October, 1986), an American character actor and member of a well-known show-business family. His bristling mustache and expressive face were his stock in trade as an actor.
He was born Francis Xavier Aloysius Wynn, the son of vaudeville comedian Ed Wynn, but took his stage name from his grandfather, Frank Keenan , one of the first Broadway actors to star in Hollywood. Ed Wynn became an actor after Keenan Wynn's encouragement.
Keenan Wynn appeared in hundreds of movies and television shows between 1934 and 1986. He had a featured role in Kiss Me, Kate (1953) and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956). His best-known part was as Col. "Bat" Guano in Dr. Strangelove (1964). He appeared as the villainous Alonzo P. Hawk in the "flubber" movie, The Absent-minded Professor (1961). He also appeared in other Disney films, including Herbie Rides Again (1974) and The Shaggy D.A. (1974). He had an uncredited role in Touch of Evil. He also appeared in Escape from Witch Mountain and Robert Altman's Nashville. He was a regular on Dallas from 1978 through 1980.
In later years, Wynn took time to support various philanthropic groups. He was an active member of Westwood Sertoma, in West Los Angeles, for many years until his death (Note: Sertoma is an acronym for Service to Mankind, and is comparable to Rotary International).
One son, actor and writer Ned Wynn wrote the autobiographical memoir We Will Always Live In Beverly Hills. His other son, Tracy Keenan Wynn is a screen writer, whose credits include The Longest Yard and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. He was uncle by marriage to the Hudson Brothers and his daughter Hilda is married to actor/singer/songwriter Paul Williams.
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Last updated: 08-17-2005 19:08:41
