Harry Davenport
Actor
About Harry Davenport
Harry Davenport was a veteran character actor whose remarkable career spanned from the silent era through Hollywood's Golden Age, lasting nearly four decades. Born Harold George Bryant Davenport in 1866, he began as a stage actor in the 1880s before transitioning to films in 1913, making him one of the few actors to successfully bridge the gap between Victorian theater and modern cinema. Davenport became one of Hollywood's most reliable and beloved character actors, specializing in playing wise, elderly gentlemen, doctors, judges, and grandfatherly figures with warmth and authenticity. His career flourished during the 1930s and 1940s when he appeared in over 160 films, including some of the most celebrated movies in Hollywood history. Despite often playing supporting roles, Davenport's presence elevated every film he appeared in, bringing dignity and gravitas to even the smallest parts. He continued working almost until his death in 1949, leaving behind an impressive legacy as one of cinema's most recognizable character actors.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic and warm, Davenport specialized in portraying wise, dignified elderly characters with a gentle demeanor. His stage background gave him excellent diction and presence, while his ability to convey both wisdom and vulnerability made him perfect for grandfatherly roles. He had a remarkable talent for making even small supporting roles memorable through subtle gestures and authentic emotional delivery.
Milestones
- Stage career beginning in the 1880s
- Film debut in 1913 silent films
- Memorable role as Dr. Meade in Gone with the Wind (1939)
- Appeared in The Wizard of Oz (1939) as Professor Marvel
- Prolific career with over 160 film appearances
- Successful transition from silent films to talkies
- Popular grandfatherly roles in 1940s family films
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6643 Hollywood Blvd)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Harry Davenport represented the bridge between 19th-century theatrical tradition and modern cinema, bringing the gravitas and technique of stage acting to the new medium of film. His consistent portrayal of wise, kind elderly characters helped establish the archetype of the benevolent grandfather figure in American cinema, influencing how elderly characters would be portrayed for decades. His presence in so many classic films made him a familiar and comforting face to generations of moviegoers during Hollywood's Golden Age.
Lasting Legacy
Davenport's legacy lies in his extraordinary body of work and the consistent quality he brought to every role, no matter how small. With over 160 film appearances, he created a template for the reliable character actor who could elevate any production. His performances in classics like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz continue to be discovered by new audiences, ensuring his place in cinema history. He proved that supporting actors could be just as memorable as stars, and his career demonstrated longevity and adaptability in an industry known for its volatility.
Who They Inspired
Davenport influenced generations of character actors by demonstrating the importance of bringing authenticity and dignity to supporting roles. His naturalistic style helped move film acting away from the exaggerated gestures of early cinema toward more subtle, believable performances. Many actors who specialized in elderly roles in later decades, including Edgar Buchanan and Charles Coburn, followed in his footsteps of creating memorable, nuanced characterizations.
Off Screen
Harry Davenport came from a theatrical family and continued that legacy. He married actress Alice Davenport in 1893, and they had one daughter, Dorothy Davenport, who became an actress and film director. After Alice's death, he married actress Phyllis Rankin in 1908. He was part of an extensive theatrical family network and was known as a kind, generous colleague in Hollywood circles.
Education
Educated in Pennsylvania, began theatrical training in his teens
Family
- Alice Davenport (1893-1904, her death)
- Phyllis Rankin (1908-1934, her death)
Did You Know?
- Began his stage career at age 16 in 1882
- Was 73 years old when he played Dr. Meade in Gone with the Wind
- His daughter Dorothy Davenport was a pioneering female film director
- Appeared in multiple films released in 1939, often considered Hollywood's greatest year
- Was a founding member of the Actors' Equity Association
- Often played characters much older than his actual age
- His uncredited role as Professor Marvel in The Wizard of Oz was crucial to the story
- Worked with virtually every major studio during his career
- Was known for his professionalism and reliability on set
- Continued working until the year of his death
In Their Own Words
Acting is not about being famous, it's about being good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harry Davenport?
Harry Davenport was a prolific American character actor whose career spanned from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood. He was known for playing wise, elderly gentlemen and grandfatherly figures in over 160 films, including classics like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.
What films is Harry Davenport best known for?
Davenport is best known for his roles in Gone with the Wind (1939) as Dr. Meade, The Wizard of Oz (1939) as Professor Marvel, Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) as Grandpa, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), and The Ox-Bow Incident (1943).
When was Harry Davenport born and when did he die?
Harry Davenport was born on August 19, 1866, in Canton, Pennsylvania, and died on August 9, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, just 10 days before his 83rd birthday.
What awards did Harry Davenport win?
While Harry Davenport did not receive major acting awards during his lifetime, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6643 Hollywood Blvd for his contributions to the film industry.
What was Harry Davenport's acting style?
Davenport was known for his naturalistic, warm, and dignified acting style. Drawing from his extensive stage experience, he brought authenticity and gravitas to his roles, specializing in portraying wise, benevolent elderly characters with subtle emotional depth.
Learn More
Films
3 films
