Matt Willis

Matt Willis

Actor

Active: 1947

About Matt Willis

Matt Willis was an American actor who had a very brief career in Hollywood during the late 1940s. His only known film credit is the 1947 political comedy 'It's a Joke, Son!' starring Kenny Delmar as the radio character Senator Beauregard Claghorn. Willis appeared in this film during what appears to be a single-year acting career in 1947. Like many bit players and supporting actors of the Golden Age, his role was likely small and uncredited, contributing to the ensemble cast of this minor comedy production. His career appears to have been limited to this single film, making him one of the many actors who briefly passed through Hollywood studios during the studio system era. The lack of extensive documentation about his career suggests he may have been a day player or contract actor who did not achieve significant recognition in the film industry.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'It's a Joke, Son!' (1947)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • It's a Joke, Son! (1947)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Matt Willis's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief film career, consisting of only one known appearance in a 1947 comedy. He represents the thousands of anonymous actors who populated Hollywood films during the Golden Age, contributing to the rich tapestry of cinema history without achieving individual recognition. His participation in 'It's a Joke, Son!' places him within the context of post-war American comedy cinema, though his specific contribution remains largely undocumented.

Lasting Legacy

Matt Willis's legacy is essentially that of a footnote in Hollywood history, representing the transient nature of many acting careers during the studio system era. His single film credit serves as a reminder of the vast number of actors who passed through Hollywood without achieving lasting fame. While not a significant figure in cinema history, his inclusion in the cast of 'It's a Joke, Son!' makes him part of the historical record of American film production in 1947.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely limited filmography, Matt Willis had no discernible influence on other actors or directors. His brief appearance in a single comedy film did not establish any significant artistic legacy or mentorship relationships within the industry.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about Matt Willis's personal life, as he appears to have had only a brief career in Hollywood with no significant public profile or documentation beyond his single film credit.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
  • His film 'It's a Joke, Son!' was based on a popular radio character
  • The film he appeared in was released during the post-war comedy boom
  • Like many actors of his era, he may have been under contract to a studio without achieving star status
  • His career spanned only one year according to available records

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Matt Willis?

Matt Willis was an American actor who had an extremely brief career in Hollywood, appearing in only one known film - the 1947 comedy 'It's a Joke, Son!' His entire documented acting career spans just one year, making him a minor figure in Golden Age cinema.

What films is Matt Willis best known for?

Matt Willis is known only for his appearance in 'It's a Joke, Son!' (1947), a political comedy starring Kenny Delmar. This appears to be his sole film credit, with no other documented roles in his career.

When was Matt Willis born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Matt Willis are not available in public records. The lack of biographical information suggests he was not a prominent public figure beyond his brief film appearance.

What awards did Matt Willis win?

Matt Willis did not receive any known awards or nominations for his work in film. His brief career and minor role in a single comedy did not garner industry recognition.

What was Matt Willis's acting style?

Due to the lack of extensive documentation about his work and only one known film appearance, Matt Willis's specific acting style cannot be determined. He likely played a minor supporting role typical of contract actors of the era.

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Films

1 film