Paul Stewart

Biography

Paul Stewart (March 13, 1908 – February 17, 1986) was a distinguished American character actor celebrated for his distinctive, gravelly voice. Throughout his extensive career, he was often cast in roles as villains and gangsters.

Originally named Paul Sternberg and hailing from New York City, Stewart graduated from Columbia University and made his Broadway debut in the 1931 production of Two Seconds. His career took a significant turn when he met Orson Welles, who invited him to join the Mercury Theatre, where he gained fame for his role in the infamous 1938 radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds. Stewart was also a founding member of AFTRA.

His filmography includes notable films such as Citizen Kane, Twelve O'Clock High, and In Cold Blood. He also had a prolific television career, appearing in series like Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Mission Impossible. Stewart was married to singer and actress Peg La Centra from 1939 until his passing from a heart attack at 77 in Los Angeles. He was later depicted in the 1999 film RKO 281.