Rolfe Sedan
Actor
About Rolfe Sedan
Rolfe Sedan was a prolific American character actor whose career spanned over five decades, from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood and into television. Born Edward Sedan in New York City, he began his film career in the mid-1920s after serving in World War I, quickly establishing himself as a reliable supporting player known for his distinctive pencil-thin mustache and tall, dignified bearing. Sedan successfully navigated the transition from silent films to talkies, where his clear diction and continental appearance made him perfect for roles as waiters, maître d's, aristocrats, and other sophisticated types. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he appeared in literally hundreds of films for major studios, becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable bit players. His career continued through the 1950s and 1960s with numerous television appearances, and he worked into the 1970s, making him one of the last surviving actors from the silent era. Despite never achieving stardom, Sedan's consistent work ethic and memorable characterizations made him an invaluable part of Hollywood's supporting cast system.
The Craft
On Screen
Sedan specialized in playing sophisticated, often foreign or continental characters with impeccable diction and dignified bearing. His tall frame (6'4") and distinctive pencil-thin mustache made him instantly recognizable, while his clear voice and precise enunciation made him valuable in early sound films. He excelled at portraying waiters, maître d's, aristocrats, hotel clerks, and other refined supporting roles, bringing a touch of class and authenticity to even the smallest parts.
Milestones
- Began film career in silent era with Charley Chase comedies
- Successfully transitioned to talkies in late 1920s
- Became one of Hollywood's most prolific character actors with 400+ film appearances
- Developed signature persona as sophisticated continental type
- Appeared in classic films spanning multiple decades
- Transitioned to television in 1950s with regular appearances
- Served as one of the last links to silent era Hollywood
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Rolfe Sedan represents the quintessential Hollywood character actor who, while never achieving stardom, became an integral part of the fabric of classic cinema. His consistent presence in hundreds of films helped create the authentic atmosphere of sophistication and refinement that defined many Golden Age productions. As one of the actors who successfully bridged the silent and sound eras, he exemplified the adaptability required to survive in Hollywood's changing landscape.
Lasting Legacy
Sedan's legacy lies in his incredible body of work that spans over 400 films and television appearances, making him one of the most prolific character actors in Hollywood history. He serves as a testament to the importance of supporting players in creating memorable cinema, and his distinctive appearance and mannerisms made him a recognizable face to generations of moviegoers. His career longevity, from the 1920s through the 1970s, made him a living link between the earliest days of Hollywood and modern entertainment.
Who They Inspired
While not a star who directly mentored other actors, Sedan's professional approach and consistent work ethic influenced generations of character actors who followed. His ability to create memorable characters in brief appearances demonstrated the art of the supporting role, showing how even small parts could contribute significantly to a film's success. His successful transition from silent films to talkies provided a model for other actors facing the technological challenges of early sound cinema.
Off Screen
Rolfe Sedan married actress Carmen Larrea in 1931, and they remained together until her death in 1978. The couple had no children. Sedan was known for his professionalism and reliability in the industry, rarely turning down work and maintaining a steady presence in Hollywood for over five decades. In his later years, he lived in Pacific Palisades, California, and remained active in the film community until his death from natural causes at age 86.
Education
Attended public schools in New York City; no formal acting training mentioned in records
Family
- Carmen Larrea (1931-1978)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 400 films during his 50+ year career
- Stood 6 feet 4 inches tall, making him tower over many co-stars
- His pencil-thin mustache became his trademark feature
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War I before entering films
- Often played French characters despite being American-born
- Was one of the last surviving actors from the silent film era at his death
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
- Never received top billing but was consistently employed for decades
- Worked with virtually every major star of Hollywood's Golden Age
- His real name was Edward Sedan but used Rolfe professionally
- Appeared in multiple Marx Brothers films in various roles
- Continued working well into his 70s with television appearances
In Their Own Words
I've never been out of work. I've always been able to make a living as an actor, and that's something to be grateful for.
In Hollywood, it's better to be a good character actor than a bad leading man.
I may not have been the star, but I was always in the picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rolfe Sedan?
Rolfe Sedan was a prolific American character actor who appeared in over 400 films from the silent era through the 1970s. Known for his tall stature, pencil-thin mustache, and sophisticated demeanor, he specialized in playing waiters, maître d's, and aristocratic supporting roles in classic Hollywood films.
What films is Rolfe Sedan best known for?
While appearing in hundreds of films, some of his most notable appearances include Mighty Like a Moose (1926), The Iron Mask (1929), Dinner at Eight (1933), The Thin Man (1934), Top Hat (1935), The Great Ziegfeld (1936), Ninotchka (1939), and The Philadelphia Story (1940).
When was Rolfe Sedan born and when did he die?
Rolfe Sedan was born Edward Sedan on January 31, 1896, in New York City, and died on September 15, 1982, in Pacific Palisades, California, at the age of 86.
What awards did Rolfe Sedan win?
While Rolfe Sedan did not receive major acting awards or nominations during his career, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
What was Rolfe Sedan's acting style?
Sedan specialized in playing sophisticated, continental characters with impeccable diction and dignified bearing. His tall frame, distinctive mustache, and clear voice made him perfect for refined supporting roles, bringing authenticity and class to even the smallest parts in hundreds of films.
Learn More
Films
3 films
