Donald MacBride
Actor
About Donald MacBride
Donald MacBride was a prolific American character actor whose distinctive gravelly voice and comic timing made him one of Hollywood's most recognizable supporting players during the Golden Age. Beginning his career in vaudeville as a teenager, MacBride transitioned to films in the early 1930s and quickly established himself as a reliable comic relief performer. He appeared in over 140 films between 1914 and 1957, often playing frustrated police officers, exasperated hotel managers, and flustered authority figures. His signature delivery and expressive face made him a favorite among directors, particularly in screwball comedies. MacBride worked with many of Hollywood's biggest stars and appeared in several classic film series, including The Thin Man and Road to... films. Despite never achieving leading man status, his consistent presence and memorable performances made him an essential part of Hollywood's comic landscape. He retired from acting in the late 1950s after a career spanning four decades.
The Craft
On Screen
MacBride was known for his distinctive gravelly voice and impeccable comic timing. He specialized in playing exasperated, frustrated characters who would gradually lose their cool, often using slow burns and double-takes for maximum comedic effect. His physical comedy included frantic gestures, wild-eyed expressions, and a tendency to become increasingly flustered as scenes progressed. He had a unique ability to deliver rapid-fire dialogue while maintaining character consistency.
Milestones
- Began career in vaudeville as a teenager
- Appeared in over 140 films during his career
- Frequent collaborator with Hal Roach Studios
- Memorable roles in The Thin Man series
- Regular performer in Road to... films with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Motion Pictures)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Donald MacBride contributed significantly to the development of the comic supporting character in American cinema. His distinctive style of playing exasperated authority figures became a template for future comic actors in similar roles. His work in the Road to... films helped establish the dynamic between straight men and comedians that would influence comedy duos for decades. MacBride's ability to deliver rapid-fire dialogue while maintaining character consistency set a standard for supporting comic performances.
Lasting Legacy
Donald MacBride's legacy lies in his contributions to the Golden Age of Hollywood comedy, where he served as one of the most reliable and recognizable character actors of his era. His distinctive voice and comic timing influenced generations of character actors who followed. Though never a star, his consistent presence in over 140 films made him an integral part of Hollywood's comic landscape during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. His performances continue to be appreciated by classic film enthusiasts and serve as examples of perfect comic supporting work.
Who They Inspired
MacBride influenced countless character actors who followed, particularly in the realm of comic relief performances. His technique of gradually building frustration and using physical comedy to enhance dialogue delivery became a standard approach for supporting comedians. Many later actors, including Edgar Kennedy and William Demarest, employed similar techniques in their comic performances. His work in ensemble comedies demonstrated how supporting characters could enhance the overall comic effectiveness of a film without overshadowing the leads.
Off Screen
Donald MacBride was married twice during his lifetime. He was known as a private individual who preferred to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, focusing primarily on his craft. Despite his extensive film career, he maintained a relatively low public profile and was respected by his colleagues for his professionalism and dedication to his work.
Family
- Virginia Vance (1925-1929)
- Elizabeth MacBride (1930-1957)
Did You Know?
- His distinctive gravelly voice was so recognizable that he was often cast without auditions
- He began his entertainment career as a vaudeville performer at age 16
- Despite appearing in over 140 films, he never received an Academy Award nomination
- He was a favorite of director Preston Sturges, who cast him in multiple films
- MacBride often played characters who were police sergeants or hotel managers
- He worked with both Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello during his career
- His final film appearance was in 'The Big Show' (1957), the year he died
- He was known for his professionalism and ability to deliver perfect takes consistently
- MacBride appeared in three of the Road to... films with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope
- He was one of the few actors to work regularly in both comedy and dramatic films
In Their Own Words
I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed - and getting angrier by the minute!
Just because I'm a police sergeant doesn't mean I have to put up with this nonsense!
One more word out of you and I'll... I'll... oh, never mind, I'm too exhausted!
I've been in this hotel for twenty years, and I've never seen anything like this!
You think this is funny? Wait until I get my hands on you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Donald MacBride?
Donald MacBride was a prolific American character actor known for his distinctive gravelly voice and comic timing. He appeared in over 140 films during Hollywood's Golden Age, often playing frustrated authority figures and providing comic relief in major productions.
What films is Donald MacBride best known for?
MacBride is best known for his roles in 'Topper Returns' (1941), the Thin Man series, the Road to... films with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, 'My Favorite Wife' (1940), and Preston Sturges comedies like 'The Great McGinty' (1940).
When was Donald MacBride born and when did he die?
Donald MacBride was born on June 14, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away on June 21, 1957, in Hollywood, California, just one week after his 64th birthday.
What awards did Donald MacBride win?
While Donald MacBride never received major acting awards or Academy Award nominations, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to motion pictures.
What was Donald MacBride's acting style?
MacBride was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, impeccable comic timing, and ability to play exasperated characters. He specialized in slow burns, double-takes, and gradually building frustration, often using frantic gestures and wild-eyed expressions for maximum comedic effect.
Did Donald MacBride work with any famous directors?
Yes, MacBride worked with many renowned directors including Preston Sturges, W.S. Van Dyke, Leo McCarey, and Hal Roach. He was particularly favored by Sturges, who cast him in several of his classic comedies.
What kind of roles did Donald MacBride typically play?
MacBride typically played frustrated police sergeants, exasperated hotel managers, flustered authority figures, and comic relief sidekicks. His characters were often the straight men to the leads' comedic antics, gradually losing their cool throughout scenes.
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Films
1 film
