Jimmy Conlin

Biography

Jimmy Conlin (October 14, 1884 – May 7, 1962) was a prominent American character actor whose career spanned over three decades and included nearly 150 film appearances. Born in Camden, New Jersey, Conlin began his journey in the world of entertainment performing in vaudeville alongside his first wife, Myrtle Glass. The duo, known as "Conlin & Glass," toured the Keith-Albee-Orpheum circuits and starred in two Vitaphone short films: *Sharps and Flats* (1928) and *Zip! Boom! Bang!* (1929).

Conlin's film career truly took off in 1933, and for the next 27 years, he was a familiar face in cinema, consistently appearing in films each year, except for 1951. His unique stature and distinctive appearance allowed him to excel in various small roles and character parts, often without receiving screen credits.

In the 1940s, Conlin became a key member of Preston Sturges' informal ensemble of character actors, featuring in nine of Sturges' films. Notably, his performance as "Wormy" in *The Sin of Harold Diddlebock* (1946) was among his standout roles, where he played a pivotal part in the storyline. Their mutual loyalty endured beyond the screen, as Conlin remained a steadfast friend during Sturges' challenging times.

While his television work was limited, Conlin had a recurring role as a bartender on the 1954 series *Duffy's Tavern*. He concluded his film career with a role as a habitual criminal in *Anatomy of a Murder* (1959), leaving behind a legacy as a beloved character actor in Hollywood.