Clarence Kolb

Biography

Clarence William Kolb (July 31, 1874 – November 25, 1964) was a prominent American actor and vaudeville performer, hailed for his comedic talents. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the only child of Austrian immigrants who ran a local meat business.

Kolb initially gained fame as part of a vaudeville duo, Kolb and Dill, alongside Max Dill. Their comedic style drew inspiration from the renowned team of Weber and Fields. Together, they not only entertained audiences on stage but also featured in several short films and a full-length movie in 1917. Following this early success, Kolb returned to vaudeville, only re-entering the film industry later in the 1930s.

Throughout his career, Kolb became known for consistently portraying characters such as businessmen or politicians. He is particularly remembered for his role as the irritable father in the acclaimed comedy film "Merrily We Live" (1938), the unscrupulous mayor in "His Girl Friday" (1940), and as Mr. Honeywell in the beloved television sitcom "My Little Margie" (1952). His final film appearance was in "Man of a Thousand Faces" (1957), where he played himself alongside Danny Beck, who portrayed his former partner, Max Dill.

Kolb passed away at the age of 90 from a stroke at the Orchard Gables Sanitarium in Hollywood and was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.