What's After the Movie
Jack Elam
Jack Elam, born as William Scott Elam on November 13, 1920, was a distinguished American film and television actor. Renowned for his striking misaligned eye, the result of a childhood injury, he was best known for his roles as villains in Western films, later transitioning into comedies, often parodying his villainous image. Before launching his acting career, Jack held various jobs in finance and served for two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Throughout his commendable career, he performed in an impressive 73 movies and appeared in at least 41 television series.
Born in Miami, Arizona, Jack was one of two children of Millard Elam and Alice Amelia Kerby. His father shuffled through several jobs to support the family. After his mother’s death when he was just a child, Jack and his sister were taken care of by various family members until their father remarried. Jack's distinctive mangled eye was the result of a severe injury he endured in a fight when he was only 11. This bodily flaw came to define his unique appearance, catching the attention of numerous casting directors and contributing to his notorious villain roles. Despite being blind in one eye, Jack served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His acting career took flight with his screen debut in 1949, and he predominantly played a villain or 'heavy' in gangster films and Westerns.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Jack Elam, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Jack Elam rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Scott Elam
Born: Miami, Arizona, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: November 13, 1920
Occupations: Film actor, Television actor
Years Active: 1944-1995
Children: 3
Spouses: Jean L Hodgert, Margaret M. Jennison
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Jack Elam
Support Your Local Sheriff!
Rio Lobo
Firecreek
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again
The Way West
Hannie Caulder
The Comancheros
The Villain
Big Bad John
Sam Peckinpah’s West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade
The Giant of Thunder Mountain
Soggy Bottom, U.S.A.
Jinxed!
Lost
Suburban Commando
Scrooge’s Rock ’N’ Roll Christmas
Louis L’Amour’s Down the Long Hills
Hawken’s Breed
I Am Not a Freak
Once Upon a Texas Train
Where the Hell’s That Gold?!!?
Sacred Ground
The Aurora Encounter
The Far Country
Thunder Over Arizona
The Rare Breed
4 for Texas
The Silent Partner
The Moonlighter
A Ticket to Tomahawk
Bonanza: Under Attack
My Man and I
Grayeagle
High Lonesome
A Knife for the Ladies
The Last Rebel
Jubal
Dirty Dingus Magee
The Winds of Autumn
American Guerrilla in the Philippines
Pardners
The Wild Country
Bonanza: The Return
Appointment in Honduras
The Sundowners
Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle
Count the Hours!
The Bushwhackers
The Ring
Sidekicks
The Last Sunset
The Norseman
Rawhide
Princess of the Nile
Support Your Local Gunfighter
Pony Express Rider
The Girl in Lovers Lane
One Way Street
Hot Lead & Cold Feet
Moonfleet
Cattle Queen of Montana
Key to the City
Jubilee Trail
Artists and Models
Ride, Vaquero!
Lure of the Wilderness
Wild Weed
Wichita
The Man from Laramie
Pocketful of Miracles
The Night of the Grizzly
The Gun Runners
Bird of Paradise
Creature from Black Lake
Black Beauty
Huckleberry Finn
Night Passage
Rancho Notorious
Baby Face Nelson
Kansas City Confidential
Ride Clear of Diablo
The Slowest Gun in the West
Lure of the Swamp
Sartana Does Not Forgive
Kiss Me Deadly
Dragoon Wells Massacre
The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County
The Last Challenge
The Red Pony
Edge of Eternity
Man Without a Star
Never a Dull Moment
Vera Cruz
The Sacketts
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Jack Elam, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1976
The Winds of Autumn
J. Pete Hankins
Pony Express Rider
Crazy Charlie
Creature from Black Lake
Joe Canton
1970
Rio Lobo
Dirty Dingus Magee
John Wesley Hardin
The Wild Country
Thompson
The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County
Kittrick
1957
Night Passage
Shotgun
Baby Face Nelson
Fatso Nagel
Lure of the Swamp
Henry Bliss
Dragoon Wells Massacre
Tioga
1955
The Silent Partner
Shanks
Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle
Burger
Moonfleet
Damen
Artists and Models
Ivan
Wichita
Al
The Man from Laramie
Chris Boldt
Kiss Me Deadly
Charlie Max
Man Without a Star
Knife Murderer (uncredited)
1954
The Far Country
Frank Newberry
Princess of the Nile
Basra
Cattle Queen of Montana
Yost
Jubilee Trail
Whitey
Ride Clear of Diablo
Tim Lowerie
Vera Cruz
Tex
1953
The Moonlighter
Slim
Appointment in Honduras
Castro
Count the Hours!
Max Verne
Ride, Vaquero!
Barton
1952
My Man and I
Celestino Garcia
The Ring
Harry Jackson
Lure of the Wilderness
Dave Longden
Rancho Notorious
Mort Geary
Kansas City Confidential
Pete Harris
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