What's After the Movie
Elisha Cook Jr.
Elisha Vanslyck Cook Jr. (December 26, 1903 – May 18, 1995) was an esteemed American character actor, best known for his work in film noir. He was notably featured in 21 films noir, which is a record for any actor or actress. His roles ranged from cheerful, brainy collegiates to menacing, mild-mannered villains. Some of his stand-out performances stemmed from acclaimed productions such as 'The Maltese Falcon', 'The Big Sleep', 'Shane', 'The Killing', 'House on Haunted Hill', and 'Rosemary’s Baby'. Cook's acting career spanned over six decades, proving his enduring skill and versatility.
Born in San Francisco, California, Cook was raised in Chicago and began performing in vaudeville and stock by the age of 14. He achieved Broadway success when renowned playwright Eugene O'Neill personally cast him in 'Ah, Wilderness'. Cook also served in the United States Army in the early 1940s. His dedication to his craft carried over into his film career, with roles that often required him to play complex characters, including weaklings, sadistic losers, and hoodlums, who were frequently murdered in grisly fashion in the plotlines. His film debut came in 1930 with Hollywood's version of the play 'Her Unborn Child'. Cook's later career also extended to TV drama series.
Despite his distinguished career in Hollywood, Cook never became part of the Hollywood social scene and preferred a quiet life as a rugged outdoorsman. He lived out his last years in Bishop, California, often retreating for the summer to Lake Sabrina in the Sierra Nevada. Cook died of a stroke at age 91, on May 18, 1995.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Elisha Cook Jr., including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Elisha Cook Jr. rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Elisha Vanslyck Cook Jr.
Born: San Francisco, California, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: December 26, 1903
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1926-1988
Spouses: Mary Gertrude Dunckley, Peggy McKenna
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Elisha Cook Jr.
Carny
The Killing
The Maltese Falcon
Shane
Hammett
The Champ
Don't Bother to Knock
Tom Horn
Harry’s War
National Lampoon’s Movie Madness
The Pigs vs. The Freaks
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains
This Girl for Hire
Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend
Dark Waters
The Long Night
A-Haunting We Will Go
The Glass Cage
Thunder Over the Plains
St. Ives
Stranger on the Third Floor
Cinderella Jones
The Haunted Palace
The Night Stalker
Platinum High School
Flaxy Martin
Two Smart People
The Big Parade of Comedy
The Movie Murderer
Salem’s Lot
I, the Jury
The Falcon’s Alibi
Love Crazy
The Great Gatsby
Mad Bull
Why Girls Leave Home
Black Zoo
Honor Among Lovers
The Movie Orgy
Wildcat
Born to Kill
Blacula
Phantom Lady
Plunder Road
The Black Bird
Night Slaves
Dead of Night
The Great Bank Robbery
Love Is News
Tin Pan Alley
They Won’t Forget
Submarine Patrol
Fall Guy
Behave Yourself!
Drum Beat
Up in Arms
My Lucky Star
College Confidential
El Condor
Baptism of Fire
Messiah of Evil
Life Begins in College
Hellzapoppin’
Dark Mountain
Danger – Love at Work
Scarecrow
Pigskin Parade
Winterhawk
Day of the Outlaw
Voodoo Island
The Spy in the Green Hat
Senior Power
Baby Face Nelson
One-Eyed Jacks
Two in a Crowd
Accused of Murder
Welcome to Hard Times
Chicago Confidential
A Gentleman at Heart
He Married His Wife
Papa’s Delicate Condition
I Wake Up Screaming
House on Haunted Hill
Johnny Cool
The Phantom of Hollywood
The Lonely Man
Blood on the Arrow
The Gangster
The Outfit
Newsboys’ Home
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Elisha Cook Jr., including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1964
The Glass Cage
Ellen's father
The Big Parade of Comedy
Joe in 'Love Crazy' (archive footage) (uncredited)
Blood on the Arrow
Tex
1963
The Haunted Palace
Gideon Smith / Micah Smith
Black Zoo
Joe
Papa’s Delicate Condition
Mr. Keith
Johnny Cool
Underworld Leader
1957
Plunder Road
Skeets Jonas
Voodoo Island
Martin Schuyler
Baby Face Nelson
Homer van Meter
Chicago Confidential
Candymouth Duggan
The Lonely Man
Willie
1941
The Maltese Falcon
Love Crazy
Joe (elevator operator)
Hellzapoppin’
Harry Selby
I Wake Up Screaming
Harry Williams
1938
Submarine Patrol
Seaman Rutherford Davis Pratt, aka 'The Professor'
My Lucky Star
Waldo
Newsboys’ Home
Danny
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