Dub Taylor

Biography

Walter Clarence Taylor Jr., better known as Dub Taylor, was a prominent American character actor whose career spanned from the 1940s to the 1990s, making a significant mark in both Westerns and comedies. Born on February 26, 1907, in Richmond, Virginia, he was the middle child of five in a family deeply rooted in the region, with his father working as a cotton broker. The Taylor family relocated to Augusta, Georgia, when Dub was just five, and it was here that he acquired his lifelong nickname, “Dub,” a playful shortening of “W” from his friends.

Before stepping into the film industry, Dub showcased his talents as a vaudeville performer and was even part of the 1937 Alabama Crimson Tide football team that played in the 1938 Rose Bowl. His film debut came in 1938 with Frank Capra's classic, *You Can't Take It with You*, where his ability to play the xylophone secured him the role. Dub became well-known for his comedic character, Cannonball, in over 50 films throughout the late 1930s and 1940s.

Throughout his extensive career, Dub became a familiar face in Westerns, often portraying colorful characters like hotel clerks and cooks. Notable appearances include *The Undefeated* and *Support Your Local Gunfighter*. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he had a recurring role on *Little House on the Prairie*. Dub Taylor passed away from a heart attack on October 3, 1994, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy in classic American cinema and a family that included his son, actor Buck Taylor.