Jay C. Flippen

Jay C. Flippen (John Constantine Flippen Jr.), born in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 6, 1899, was a versatile American character actor. He frequently played roles of crusty sergeants, weary criminals, and police officers in 1940s and 1950s films, making a prominent mark in film noir. Flippen began his career in the entertainment world as a leading vaudeville comedian and an adroit master of ceremonies. His acting ability was honed in a variety of performance mediums including burlesque, vaudeville, and minstrel shows. Before his foray into motion pictures, Flippen had already established a respected reputation as a leading vaudeville singer and stage actor.

Flippen had a long and fruitful acting career, beginning his acting journey in 1920. He had a striking career transition in 1947 when he started featuring in films. Among his significant screen contributions is his supportive role for James Stewart in five films under the direction of Anthony Mann during the 1950s. Jay C. Flippen gave powerful performances in three John Wayne films and played unforgettable characters in film noir. Despite suffering a leg amputation in 1965, Flippen continued to amuse audiences with his acting prowess, usually performing while in a wheelchair. His personal life, filled with both triumphs and challenges, was as intriguing as the characters he essayed on screen.