Joseph Kearns

Joseph Sherrard Kearns (February 12, 1907 – February 17, 1962) was an American actor whose career spanned nearly five decades, beginning as a child performer in a vaudeville troupe and culminating in a beloved television role that remains iconic. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was the only child of wool buyer Joseph Albert Kearns and concert pianist Cordelia Marie Peterson, a lineage that instilled in him a deep appreciation for music and performance. After his father’s death when Joseph was 29, the family moved to California, where his Mormon upbringing and musical training continued to influence his artistic pursuits. He entered the entertainment world at age nine with "The Rising Generation," touring for fourteen months and gaining early stage experience that would shape his versatile talent. In the 1930s Kearns transitioned to radio, joining KSL in his hometown and later moving to Los Angeles, where he became a familiar voice on popular programs such as The Cinnamon Bear, The Adventures of Sam Spade, Burns and Allen, and Suspense, often portraying the menacing “Man in Black.” His film debut arrived with Hard, Fast and Beautiful (1951), and he lent his distinctive voice to the Doorknob in Disney’s animated classic Alice in Wonderland that same year. Throughout the 1950s Kearns appeared on a multitude of television series, including The Jack Benny Program, Our Miss Brooks, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, I Love Lucy, and Perry Mason, showcasing his ability to shift effortlessly between comedic and dramatic roles. The pinnacle of his career was the role of George Wilson (“Mr. Wilson”) on the CBS series Dennis the Menace (1959‑1962), a character whose gruff exterior and underlying kindness made him a household name. Off‑screen, Kearns was an avid organist, installing a custom‑built 18‑rank Wurlitzer in a sound‑proof home he designed himself, often entertaining guests with his musical performances. His sudden death from a cerebral hemorrhage in February 1962, possibly linked to a rapid weight‑loss diet, shocked fans; he was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. Kearns’ legacy endures through his extensive radio work, memorable film contributions, and the timeless charm he brought to the small screen.