Walter Brennan: Movies, Awards & Box Office

Walter Andrew Brennan (July 25, 1894 – September 21, 1974) was an American actor and singer, known for his performances in Come and Get It (1936), Kentucky (1938), The Westerner (1940), and Sergeant York (1941). He remains one of only six actors to win three Academy Awards, and is the only male or female actor to win three awards in the supporting actor category. Brennan was also recognized for his performances in To Have and Have Not (1944), My Darling Clementine (1946), Red River (1948), and Rio Bravo (1959). During the years 1957 to 1963, Brennan starred in the sitcom The Real McCoys. Brennan's singular reedy, high-pitched voice, which resulted from a wartime injury to his vocal cords, became a favorite feature for impersonators.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he worked as a bank clerk before serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. On his return, he worked as a financial reporter. After losing his fortune in real estate, Brennan turned to acting. He began taking parts as an extra in films and over the next decades, he performed in a wide range of roles: from small appearances to top-billed roles. Brennan's prowess in portraying characters significantly older than he was involved clever use of his thin build, rapidly thinning hair, and unusual vocal intonations. His ability to literally take his teeth out could dramatically age his appearance.