Raymond Hatton
Actor
About Raymond Hatton
Raymond Hatton was one of Hollywood's most prolific character actors, appearing in over 500 films during a career that spanned nearly six decades. Beginning his career in the silent era with Keystone Studios in 1913, he quickly established himself as a reliable supporting player known for his distinctive mustache and versatile character portrayals. Hatton transitioned successfully to sound films, where he found his niche as a sidekick in westerns and adventure films, most notably in the 'Rough Riders' series alongside Buck Jones and Tim McCoy. During the 1930s and 1940s, he became one of the most recognizable faces in B-movie westerns, often playing comic relief or loyal companions to the leading heroes. His career continued through the 1950s and 1960s with numerous television appearances, demonstrating remarkable longevity in an industry known for its fleeting fame. Hatton's ability to adapt from silent comedy to sound drama to television made him a true survivor of Hollywood's changing landscape. His final film appearance was in 1968, capping off a remarkable 55-year career in show business.
The Craft
On Screen
Hatton was known for his distinctive character portrayals, often playing comic sidekicks, loyal companions, or slightly villainous types. His signature look included a prominent mustache and expressive face that could convey both humor and menace. He excelled at physical comedy in his early silent films and later developed a gruff, world-weary persona in westerns. His acting was characterized by its reliability and consistency, making him a favorite of directors who needed dependable character work.
Milestones
- Started career at Keystone Studios in 1913
- Appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Squaw Man' (1914)
- Successfully transitioned from silent to sound films
- Starred in the 'Rough Riders' film series (1941-1942)
- Appeared in over 500 films throughout his career
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Made final film appearance in 1968
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1708 Vine Street)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Raymond Hatton represents the archetype of the Hollywood character actor who built a career through reliability and versatility rather than stardom. His longevity through multiple eras of filmmaking—from silent comedy to sound westerns to television—demonstrates the adaptability required for sustained success in Hollywood. As one of the most recognizable supporting players in B-westerns, he helped define the genre's visual language and character dynamics. His work contributed to the popularity of western films during their golden age and provided audiences with familiar, comforting presence in hundreds of productions.
Lasting Legacy
Hatton's legacy lies in his incredible body of work and his role as a bridge between different eras of Hollywood filmmaking. With over 500 film appearances, he represents the unsung heroes of classic cinema—the character actors who provided the foundation upon which stars could shine. His ability to transition from silent comedy to sound drama made him a model of professional adaptability. Today, film historians and classic movie enthusiasts recognize him as an essential part of Hollywood's golden age, particularly in the western genre where his face became as familiar to audiences as the leading men he supported.
Who They Inspired
Hatton influenced generations of character actors through his demonstration of how to build a sustainable career in supporting roles. His distinctive style and approach to character work served as a template for future sidekick actors in westerns and adventure films. Many actors who followed in his footsteps studied his ability to create memorable characters with limited screen time. His professionalism and reliability set standards for character actors in studio system Hollywood.
Off Screen
Raymond Hatton was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Cleo Madison, a fellow silent film actress and director, though the marriage ended in divorce. He later married Dolly Johnson, with whom he remained until his death. Despite his prolific career and public visibility, Hatton was known for being a private individual who rarely discussed his personal life in interviews. He lived in the Los Angeles area for most of his adult life and was respected by his colleagues for his professionalism and work ethic.
Education
Limited information available about his formal education, though he likely attended schools in New York City before entering show business.
Family
- Cleo Madison (1916-1922)
- Dolly Johnson (1926-1971)
Did You Know?
- Appeared in more films than many of Hollywood's biggest stars combined
- His distinctive mustache became his trademark throughout his career
- Worked with both Mack Sennett and Cecil B. DeMille early in his career
- Was one of the few silent era actors to successfully transition to television
- Never received an Academy Award nomination despite his prolific career
- His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was dedicated in 1960
- Often played characters much older than his actual age
- Was known for his ability to memorize lines quickly, making him valuable to directors
- Continued working even in his 70s and 80s
- Was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild
In Their Own Words
In this business, you're only as good as your last picture, and I've made a lot of pictures.
I never wanted to be a star. Stars come and go, but character actors can work forever.
The secret to longevity in pictures is simple: show up on time, know your lines, and don't cause trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Raymond Hatton?
Raymond Hatton was a prolific American character actor who appeared in over 500 films from 1913 to 1971. He was known for his distinctive mustache and versatile supporting roles, particularly in westerns and adventure films where he often played sidekicks and comic relief characters.
What films is Raymond Hatton best known for?
Hatton is best known for his work in the 'Rough Riders' film series (1941-1942), silent era classics like 'The Squaw Man' (1914) and 'Carmen' (1915), and later westerns such as 'The Spoilers' (1942) and 'The Big Country' (1958). He was also a frequent collaborator with director Cecil B. DeMille.
When was Raymond Hatton born and when did he die?
Raymond Hatton was born on July 7, 1887, in New York City, New York, and passed away on October 21, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 84.
What awards did Raymond Hatton win?
Despite his prolific career spanning nearly six decades, Raymond Hatton did not receive any major film awards or Academy Award nominations. However, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1708 Vine Street in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
What was Raymond Hatton's acting style?
Hatton was known for his distinctive character portrayals, often playing comic sidekicks, loyal companions, or slightly villainous types. His signature look included a prominent mustache and expressive face. He excelled at physical comedy in silent films and later developed a gruff, world-weary persona in westerns, characterized by reliability and consistency.
Learn More
Films
19 films
A Romance of the Redwoods
1917
Bangville Police
1913
Joan the Woman
1916
Male and Female
1919
Carmen
1915
The Whispering Chorus
1918
The Little American
1917
The Ace of Hearts
1921
The Woman God Forgot
1917
For Better, for Worse
1919
The Ragtime Band
1913
The Girl of the Golden West
1915
The Captive
1915
The Fighting American
1924
The Silver Horde
1930
The Virginian
1923
The Squaw Man
1914
Hell's Heroes
1930