Percy Helton papers, 1901-1980

Percy Helton (1894-1971) was an American stage, film, and television actor, primarily recognized for his character roles in Hollywood during the 1950s and 60s. Born in Manhattan, Helton began his career in Vaudeville at just two years old, performing alongside his British-born father, William Alfred “Alf” Helton. By 1906, he was already appearing on Broadway, notably in "Julie BonBon," and later in "The Poor Nut" and "To the Ladies!" Helton served in the United States Army during World War I, where he deployed to Europe with the 77th Infantry Division’s 305th Field Artillery and received the Distinguished Service Cross. While in service, he performed with the Argonne Players, a troupe entertaining fellow soldiers. After the war, changes in his voice altered his acting trajectory, leading him to become a distinctive character actor in film and television. His film credits included Miracle on 34th Street (1947), The Set-Up(1949),White Christmas (1954), Kiss Me Deadly (1955), The Sons of Katie Elder (1965), and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), while his television work included multiple appearances on Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and The Beverley Hillbillies. Percy also served as a member and the Vice President of the Masquers Club. Helton married Edna Eustace in 1931, and they remained together until his death in September 1971 in Hollywood, California.