Charles McGraw

Charles McGraw was an accomplished American stage, film, and television actor, recognized for his distinctive gravelly voice and rugged looks. Born as Charles Crisp Butters on May 10, 1914, and active in Hollywood from 1942 through 1977, his career spanned more than three decades, reflecting his profound dedication to his craft.

McGraw is particularly notable for his significant contributions to film noir. He first emerged into prominence with his role in The Killers (1946), portraying a hitman alongside William Conrad in a search for double-crossing hoodlum Burt Lancaster. He transitioned into a leading man with Armored Car Robbery (1950) directed by Richard Fleischer. His most prominent parts include his work in the epic Spartacus (1960), and in the sci-fi film A Boy and His Dog. In television, he starred in Adventures of the Falcon, and played Rick Blaine in the television adaptation of Casablanca (1955). He also appeared on several episodes of other popular TV shows, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

In his personal life, McGraw was married to Freda Choy Kitt in 1938 and had one daughter. His devotion to performance arts was recognized when he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 1960. Unfortunately, his demise was tragically accidental; on July 29, 1980, he died from a severe cut to his brachial artery after falling through a glass shower door in his home in Studio City, California.