Acting · Portland, Maine, USA · Born May 14, 1906
American character actor whose career lasted nearly half a century. James Wilson Flavin Jr. was the son of a hotel waiter of Canadian-English extraction and a mother, Katherine, whose father was an Irish immigrant. (Thus Flavin, well-known in Hollywood as an "Irish" type, was only one-quarter Irish.) Flavin was born and raised in Portland, Maine (a fact that may have enrichened his later working relationship with director John Ford, also a Portland native). He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, but (contrary to some sources) did not graduate. Instead he dropped out and returned to Portland where he drove a taxi. Then as now, summer stock companies flocked to Maine each year, and in 1929 he was asked to fill in for an actor. He did well with the part and the company manager offered him $150 per week to go with the troupe back to New York. Flavin accepted and by the spring of 1930 was living in a rooming house at 108 W. 87th Street in Manhattan. Flavin didn't manage to crack Broadway at this time (his Broadway debut would not occur for another thirty-nine years, in the 1971 revival of "The Front Page," in which Flavin played Murphy and briefly took over the lead role of Walter Burns from star Robert Ryan). He worked his way across the country in stock productions and tours, arriving in Los Angeles around 1932. He quickly made the transition to movies, landing the lead in his very first film, a Universal serial, The Airmail Mystery (1932). He also landed his leading lady, marrying the serial's female star Lucile Browne that same year. However, the serial marked virtually the last time that Flavin would play the lead in a film. Thereafter, he was restricted almost exclusively to supporting characters, many of them without so much as a name. He specialized in uniformed cops and hard-bitten detectives, but played chauffeurs, cabbies, and even a 16th-century palace guard with aplomb. Flavin appeared in nearly four hundred films between 1932 and 1971, and in almost a hundred television episodes before his final appearance, as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident (1976). Flavin died of a heart ailment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on April 23, 1976. His widow Lucile died seventeen days later. They were survived by their son, William James Flavin, subsequently a professor at the United States Army War College. James and Lucile Brown Flavin were buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
MovieThe Lost Spider Pit Sequence
2005
as Second Mate Briggs (archive footage)
MovieFrancis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident
1976
as President Dwight D. Eisenhower
MovieLaw and Order
1976
as Capt. Toomey
TVThe Brady Bunch
1969
TVIt Takes a Thief
1968
as Gen. Levin
MovieIn Cold Blood
1967
as Clarence Duntz
MovieGood Times
1967
as Lieutenant
TVThe Pruitts of Southampton
1966
MovieThe Further Adventures of Gallegher
1965
as Lt. Flynn
MovieCheyenne Autumn
1964
as Ft. Robinson Sergeant of the Guard (uncredited)
TVThe Addams Family
1964
as Lt. Poston
MovieIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
1963
as Patrolman (uncredited)
TVMr. Novak
1963
as Fire Chief Hawkins
TVBurke's Law
1963
as Officer Danny Robin
MovieCritic's Choice
1963
as Security Guard (uncredited)
TVThe Lucy Show
1962
as Sergeant Wilcox
TVSam Benedict
1962
TVThe New Breed
1961
as Moose
TVDr. Kildare
1961
as John Dolan
TVCain's Hundred
1961
as Arnie Kellwin
TVMister Ed
1961
TVThe Roaring 20's
1960
as Robert Howard
TVSurfside 6
1960
TVPete and Gladys
1960
TVCoronado 9
1960
TVJohnny Midnight
1960
TVThe Twilight Zone
1959
as 1962 Policeman
MovieThe Last Hurrah
1958
as Police Capt. Michael J. Shanahan (uncredited)
MovieJohnny Rocco
1958
as Mooney
TVMan with a Camera
1958
TVThe Rifleman
1958
MovieWild Is the Wind
1957
as Wool Buyer
TVAlcoa Theatre
1957
as Gavin Marshall
MovieNight Passage
1957
as Tim Riley
TVRichard Diamond, Private Detective
1957
as Sam Cooper
MovieThe Restless Breed
1957
as Secret Service Chief
MovieFootsteps in the Night
1957
as Mr. Bradbury
MovieHold That Hypnotist
1957
as Jake Morgan
MovieThe Wings of Eagles
1957
as MP at Garden Party (uncredited)
State Trooper
1956
as Police Capt. Daniel Box
MovieFrancis in the Haunted House
1956
as Police Chief Martin
MovieNever Say Goodbye
1956
as Timmy
TVMatinee Theater
1955
TVAlfred Hitchcock Presents
1955
as Joe Felix
TVNavy Log
1955
as Col. Flynn
MovieApache Ambush
1955
as Col. Marshall
MovieThe Naked Street
1955
as Attorney Michael X. Flanders
MovieMister Roberts
1955
as Military Policeman
TVThe Millionaire
1955
as Dan Mulcahy
TVClimax!
1954
as Hogan
TVDecember Bride
1954
MovieReturn of the Dead
1954
as Judd Harrison
MovieMassacre Canyon
1954
as Col. Tarant
MovieDragonfly Squadron
1954
as Doctor
TVPublic Defender
1954
MovieThe Eddie Cantor Story
1953
as Kelly
MovieFighter Attack
1953
as Col. Allison
MovieHot News
1953
as Al Bragg
TVLetter to Loretta
1953
as MacNamara
TVCity Detective
1953
MovieAbbott and Costello Go to Mars
1953
as First Policeman in Bank
MovieTrouble Along the Way
1953
as Coach Buck Holman
MovieI Beheld His Glory
1953
as Longinus
MovieConfidentially Connie
1953
as Harry (uncredited)
TVGeneral Electric Theater
1953
MovieStar of Texas
1953
as Texas Rangers Capt. Sturdivant
TVThe Abbott and Costello Show
1952
as Joe Kelly
MovieMillion Dollar Mermaid
1952
as Conductor
TVCavalcade of America
1952
TVDeath Valley Days
1952
as Perry
TVFour Star Playhouse
1952
as Mr. Swanson
MovieO. Henry's Full House
1952
as Cop (segment "The Cop and the Anthem") (uncredited)
MovieCarrie
1952
as Mike - Bartender (uncredited)
MovieHere Come the Marines
1952
as Lieutenant-Colonel at End
MovieSailor Beware
1952
as Petty Officer (uncredited)
As We Forgive
1952
TVDangerous Assignment
1952
TVHallmark Hall of Fame
1951
as Captain Kimble
MovieCome Fill the Cup
1951
as Russ - Homicide Captain (uncredited)
TVI Love Lucy
1951
as Immigration Officer
TVSchlitz Playhouse of Stars
1951
MovieRhubarb
1951
as O'Leary, Manhattan Police Chief (uncredited)
TVRacket Squad
1951
MovieFighting Coast Guard
1951
as Commander Rogers
MovieFollow the Sun
1951
as Henry Gibbs
MovieAccording to Mrs. Hoyle
1951
as Prosecuting Attorney
MovieOh! Susanna
1951
as Capt. Worth
MovieOperation Pacific
1951
as SP Commander
TVThe Living Christ
1951
as Longinus
Lux Video Theatre
1950
as Steve
MovieSouth Sea Sinner
1950
as Andrews
MovieDestination Murder
1950
as Police Lt. Brewster
MovieArmored Car Robbery
1950
as Lt. Phillips
MovieThe Savage Horde
1950
as Guard
MovieRock Island Trail
1950
as Railroad Workman
MovieWhen Willie Comes Marching Home
1950
as Gen. Brevort (uncredited)
MovieDakota Lil
1950
as Secret Service Chief
MoviePrison Warden
1949
as Guard Capt. Peter Butler
MovieThe Devil's Henchmen
1949
as Police Sergeant Briggs
MovieBlondie Hits the Jackpot
1949
as Brophy
MovieMighty Joe Young
1949
as Schultz
MovieMississippi Rhythm
1949
as Stan Caldwell
MovieBud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff
1949
as Insp. Wellman
MovieFlamingo Road
1949
MovieHomicide
1949
as Det. Lt. Boylan
MovieShockproof
1949
as Policeman in Park (Uncredited)
MovieBungalow 13
1948
as Lt. Sam Wilson
MovieThe Plunderers
1948
as Sergeant Major
MovieOne Touch of Venus
1948
as Kerrigan
MovieThe Velvet Touch
1948
as Sgt. Oliphant
MovieSecret Service Investigator
1948
as Police Inspector Thorndyke
MovieThe Noose Hangs High
1948
as Traffic Cop (uncredited)
MovieSleep, My Love
1948
as Lieutenant Mitchell
MovieMy Girl Tisa
1948
as Guard (uncredited)
MovieUnconquered
1947
as Villager (uncredited)
MovieNightmare Alley
1947
as Hoatley / First Carnival Owner (uncredited)
MovieJoe Palooka in the Knockout
1947
as Policeman
MovieSong of the Thin Man
1947
as Policeman Reardon (uncredited)
MovieDesert Fury
1947
as Pat Johnson
MovieRobin Hood Of Texas
1947
as Captain Danforth
MovieDishonored Lady
1947
as Police Sergeant Patella
MovieIt Happened on Fifth Avenue
1947
as First Policeman (uncredited)
MovieMy Favorite Brunette
1947
as Det. Lt. 'Mac' Hennessey (uncredited)
MovieNora Prentiss
1947
as District Attorney
MovieNobody Lives Forever
1946
as Shake Thomas
MovieCloak and Dagger
1946
as Col. Walsh
MovieAngel on My Shoulder
1946
as Dan Bellamy
MovieStep by Step
1946
as Woods
MovieThe Strange Love of Martha Ivers
1946
as Police Detective #1
MovieThe Missing Lady
1946
as Police Insp. Cardona
MovieEasy to Wed
1946
as Joe
MovieRendezvous with Annie
1946
as Turnkey (uncredited)
MovieBoys' Ranch
1946
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieA Stolen Life
1946
as Investigator (uncredited)
MovieSentimental Journey
1946
as Detective Sgt. McFarland (uncredited)
MovieYoung Widow
1946
as Subway Conductor (Uncredited)
MovieTars and Spars
1946
as Chief Bosun Mate Gurney
MovieThe Spider
1945
as Officer Johnny Tracy
MovieHold That Blonde!
1945
as Laundry Truck Driver (uncredited)
MovieJohnny Angel
1945
as Flavin, Mate of the Quincy (uncredited)
MovieMildred Pierce
1945
as Detective (uncredited)
MovieThe Shanghai Cobra
1945
as H.R. Jarvis
MovieAnchors Aweigh
1945
as Radio Cop
MovieOver 21
1945
as Captain (uncredited)
MovieMurder, He Says
1945
as Police Officer (uncredited)
MovieCircumstantial Evidence
1945
as Guard
MovieGod Is My Co-Pilot
1945
as Major at Kweilin Airbase (uncredited)
MovieHollywood Canteen
1944
as Marine Sergeant (uncredited)
MovieLaura
1944
as Det. McEveety (uncredited)
MovieStrange Affair
1944
as Bank Security Guard (uncredited)
MovieAbroad with Two Yanks
1944
as Sgt. Wiggins
MovieMr. Winkle Goes to War
1944
MovieOnce Upon a Time
1944
as Man in Subway (uncredited)
MovieChristmas Holiday
1944
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieUncertain Glory
1944
as Captain of Mobile Guard
MovieThere's Something About a Soldier
1943
MovieRiding High
1943
as Train Conductor
MovieSwing Shift Maisie
1943
as Radio Policeman (Uncredited)
MovieCorvette K-225
1943
as 1st Lt. Bill Gardner
MovieThank Your Lucky Stars
1943
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieMurder on the Waterfront
1943
as Cmdr. Kalin
MovieSo Proudly We Hail
1943
as Captain O'Brien (Uncredited)
MovieI Dood It
1943
as Federal Agent (uncredited)
MovieHeaven Can Wait
1943
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieAction in the North Atlantic
1943
as Merchant Marine School Lieutenant-Commander (uncredited)
MovieMission to Moscow
1943
as American Senator (uncredited)
MovieAir Force
1943
as Maj. A.M. Bagley
MovieSomething to Shout About
1943
as Policeman
MovieIt Ain't Hay
1943
as Cop (uncredited)
MovieLife Begins at Eight-Thirty
1942
as Policeman
MovieGentleman Jim
1942
as George Corbett (uncredited)
MovieNight in New Orleans
1942
as Egan (uncredited)
MovieTen Gentlemen from West Point
1942
as Capt. Luddy
MovieThru Different Eyes
1942
as Thomas
MovieTough as They Come
1942
as Process Server
MovieBroadway
1942
as Doorman (uncredited)
MovieFingers at the Window
1942
as Police Lieutenant Schaeffer
MovieSaboteur
1942
as Motorcycle Cop (voice) (uncredited)
MovieKid Glove Killer
1942
as Keenan - Detective Grilling Eddie (uncredited)
MovieReap the Wild Wind
1942
as Girl's Father (uncredited)
Treat 'Em Rough
1942
as Joe Trosper
MovieA Yank on the Burma Road
1942
as Police Dispatcher
MovieBedtime Story
1941
as Hotel Guest in Room 625 (uncredited)
MovieKathleen
1941
as Moving Man
MovieThe Night of January 16th
1941
as Policeman Kelly
MovieRide 'Em Cowboy
1941
as Railroad Detective #2 (uncredited)
MovieNew York Town
1941
as Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
MovieI Wake Up Screaming
1941
as Detective (uncredited)
MovieTexas
1941
as Abilene Fight Announcer
MovieHold Back the Dawn
1941
as Immigration Guard (uncredited)
MovieWe Go Fast
1941
as Police Lt. Bardette
MovieBelle Starr
1941
as Sergeant
MovieManpower
1941
as Orderly About to Give Bath (uncredited)
MovieAffectionately Yours
1941
as Tomassetti
MovieZiegfeld Girl
1941
as Buck (uncredited)
MovieRide on Vaquero
1941
as Officer Johnson
MoviePot o' Gold
1941
as Sheriff Bud Connolly (uncredited)
MovieWestern Union
1941
as Deputy Sheriff
MovieThe Strawberry Blonde
1941
as Ticket Inspector on Boat (uncredited)
MovieBuck Privates
1941
as Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
MovieThe Wild Man of Borneo
1941
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieFour Mothers
1941
as Demolition Man (uncredited)
MovieTin Pan Alley
1940
as Army Sergeant (uncredited)
MovieYouth Will Be Served
1940
as Buck Miller
MovieThe Long Voyage Home
1940
as Dock Policeman
MovieThe Devil's Pipeline
1940
as Dowling
MovieNorth West Mounted Police
1940
as Mountie
MovieKnute Rockne All American
1940
as Army Assistant Coach (uncredited)
MovieThe Great Profile
1940
as Detective
MovieRhythm on the River
1940
as Detective
MovieWhen the Daltons Rode
1940
as Annabella's Brother
MovieThe Golden Fleecing
1940
as Cop (uncredited)
MovieSouth of Pago Pago
1940
as Cafe Customer
MovieManhattan Heartbeat
1940
as Truck Driver
MovieThe Way of All Flesh
1940
as Policeman
MoviePrivate Affairs
1940
as Doorman (uncredited)
MovieLucky Cisco Kid
1940
as Ranch Foreman
MovieQueen of the Mob
1940
as Third FBI Director
MovieThe Ghost Breakers
1940
as Hotel Porter (uncredited)
MovieBrother Orchid
1940
as Parking Attendant at Fat Dutchy's (uncredited)
MovieFlorian
1940
as Policeman
MovieGirl in 313
1940
as Det. Carvin
MovieLa Conga Nights
1940
as Grogin
MovieHot Steel
1940
as Storm Swenson
MovieJohnny Apollo
1940
as Prison Guard In Library (uncredited)
MovieIt All Came True
1940
as Roaring 90's Club Doorman (uncredited)
MovieAnd One Was Beautiful
1940
as McRafferty
MovieThe Grapes of Wrath
1940
as Guard (uncredited)
MovieWomen Without Names
1940
as Guard
MovieDouble Alibi
1940
as Patrolman Johnson
MovieCastle on the Hudson
1940
as Death Row Guard (uncredited)
MovieBroadway Melody of 1940
1940
as Clancy (uncredited)
MovieThe Fighting 69th
1940
as Supply Sergeant (uncredited)
MovieRemember the Night
1940
as Court Attendant (uncredited)
MovieThe Cisco Kid and the Lady
1939
as Sergeant
MovieJoe and Ethel Turp Call on the President
1939
as Policeman
MovieThe Roaring Twenties
1939
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieFast and Furious
1939
as Policeman Guarding Entrance (uncredited)
MovieIrish Luck
1939
as Fluger
MovieEach Dawn I Die
1939
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieThey Shall Have Music
1939
as Police Sergeant (uncredited)
MovieWhen Tomorrow Comes
1939
as Coard Guard Man on Road (uncredited)
MovieThey All Come Out
1939
as Officer (uncredited)
MovieMr. Wong in Chinatown
1939
as Police Sgt. Jerry
MovieMickey the Kid
1939
as Sanders
MovieTell No Tales
1939
as Officer Simmons (uncredited)
MovieThe Gracie Allen Murder Case
1939
as Turnkey
MovieUnion Pacific
1939
as Paddy (uncredited)
MovieRose of Washington Square
1939
as Guard (uncredited)
MovieBig Town Czar
1939
as George Mitchell
MovieCode of the Streets
1939
as Doorman
MovieSergeant Madden
1939
as Police Interrogator
MovieEverybody's Baby
1939
as Police Announcer (uncredited)
MovieThe Ice Follies of 1939
1939
as Doorman (uncredited)
MovieJesse James
1939
as Cavalry Captain (uncredited)
MovieThe Duke of West Point
1938
as Plebe Hockey Coach
MovieWhile New York Sleeps
1938
as 2nd Cop
MovieConvicts at Large
1938
as Detective Sgt. Berkovich
MovieBlondie
1938
as Policeman in Accident Car (uncredited)
MovieLightning Carson Rides Again
1938
as Justice Department Agent
MovieToo Hot to Handle
1938
as Young Reporter (uncredited)
MovieThree Loves Has Nancy
1938
as Jack's Friend (uncredited)
MovieYou Can't Take It with You
1938
as Jailer (uncredited)
MovieI Am the Law
1938
as George - Witness (uncredited)
MovieGateway
1938
as Guard
MovieWives Under Suspicion
1938
as Jenks (uncredited)
MovieAlexander's Ragtime Band
1938
as Army Captain (uncredited)
MovieTest Pilot
1938
as Pilot (uncredited)
MovieMiracle Money
1938
as Cop (uncredited)
MovieStart Cheering
1938
as Gas Station Attendant
MovieNight Spot
1938
as Kidnapper
MovieBorn to Be Wild
1938
as Striker (uncredited)
MovieMannequin
1938
as Burly Man (Uncredited)
MovieEverybody's Doing It
1938
as Detective Hayes
MovieBig Town Girl
1937
as State Trooper
MovieLive, Love and Learn
1937
as Marine Who Likes Painting (uncredited)
MovieHot Water
1937
as Policeman (uncredited)
MovieDangerously Yours
1937
as Driver
MovieMy Dear Miss Aldrich
1937
as Dr. Spitzy Calahan (uncredited)
MovieGirls Can Play
1937
as Det. Bill O'Malley
MovieAngel's Holiday
1937
as Detective
MovieI Promise to Pay
1937
as Bill Seaver
MovieMidnight Taxi
1937
as Detective McCormick
MovieYou Only Live Once
1937
as State Trooper (uncredited)
MovieDangerous Number
1937
as Cab Driver
MovieThe Luckiest Girl in the World
1936
as Policeman
MovieThey Met in a Taxi
1936
as Policeman
MovieMy Man Godfrey
1936
as Detective (uncredited)
MovieCharlie Chan at the Race Track
1936
as Detective
MovieHow to Behave
1936
as Man in Manhole (uncredited)
MovieOne Way Ticket
1935
as Ed
MovieRendezvous
1935
as 2st Military Policeman (uncredited)
MovieShipmates Forever
1935
as Lieutenant (uncredited)
MovieSpecial Agent
1935
as Agent Arresting Julie (uncredited)
MovieMan on the Flying Trapeze
1935
as Chauffeur (uncredited)
MovieWoman Wanted
1935
as Mac - Policeman (uncredited)
MovieThe Daring Young Man
1935
as Informant on Telephone
MovieThe Murder Man
1935
as Policeman at Merry-Go-Round (uncredited)
MovieChinatown Squad
1935
as Detective
MoviePublic Hero Number 1
1935
as Flavin - Federal Agent (uncredited)
Movie'G' Men
1935
as Agent with Jean (uncredited)
MovieStraight from the Heart
1935
as Policeman
MovieCaptain Hurricane
1935
as Freighter Officer
MovieSecrets of Chinatown
1935
as Brandhma
MovieThe Brand of Hate
1934
as Holt Larkins
MovieThe Affairs of Cellini
1934
as Palace Guard (uncredited)
MovieBaby Take a Bow
1934
as Flannigan
MovieWild Gold
1934
as Detective (uncredited)
MovieThe Big Race
1934
as Bill Figg
MovieBeloved
1934
as Wilcox
MovieOnly Yesterday
1933
as Billy (Uncredited)
MovieShip of Wanted Men
1933
as Frank Busch
MovieRiot Squad
1933
as Det. Mack McCue
MovieHello, Sister!
1933
as Fireman
MovieKing Kong
1933
as Mate Briggs
MovieAir Mail
1932
as Man with Radio Report (uncredited)
MovieThe All-American
1932
as Don Lindsay
MovieThe Most Dangerous Game
1932
as First Mate on Yacht (uncredited)
MovieOkay, America!
1932
as Undetermined Role (uncredited)
MovieMcKenna of the Mounted
1932
as Corporal Randall McKenna
MovieBack Street
1932
as Reporter (uncredited)
MovieThe Airmail Mystery
1932
as Bob Lee
