George Meeker

This durable co-star-turned-character man had the steely eyes and overall slickness of somebody never to trust...and for good reason. For over two decades 'George Meeker' (qv) fit the bill as the guy you loved to hate in movies. Frequently the spineless third wheel of a romantic triangle, he always lost the woman in the deal. In politics or business, he was the crooked lawyer or shady exec who'd sell his own mother for a quick buck. He specialized in crime mysteries and was invariably the guilty party or the victim who deserved it anyway.Meeker was born in Brooklyn on March 5, 1904 and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Art following high school. After some stage experience he made his Broadway debut with "Judy Drops In" in 1924 and went on to appear in a handful of plays including "A Lady's Virtue" (1925), "Back Here" (1928) and "Conflict" (1929). From then on he focused on films. He started his career auspiciously as silent pictures were just about to become a part of Hollywood history. A strong featured part in 'John Ford' (qv)'s _Four Sons (1928)_ (qv) led to his top-billed role in the mystery _Thief in the Dark (1928)_ (qv) and co-star duty opposite both 'Nancy Carroll' (qv) in the comedy _Chicken a La King (1928)_ (qv) and western star 'Rex Bell' (qv) in _The Girl-Shy Cowboy (1928)_ (qv). Meeker's voice was found quite suitable for talkies and he forged ahead in roles that grew more unappetizing with time. Often bespectacled and dressed to the nines, he played the fusty, wimpy, sour-looking fiancé who loses lovely 'Sidney Fox' (qv) in 'Preston Sturges' (qv)' comedy-drama _Strictly Dishonorable (1931)_ (qv), a role he would play time and again. He went on to lose 'Joan Blondell' (qv) in _The Famous Ferguson Case (1932)_ (qv) 'Irene Dunne' (qv) in the classic _Back Street (1932)_ (qv) and 'Margaret Sullavan' (qv) in _Only Yesterday (1933)_ (qv), among other ladies. He showed more of his corrupt side in the pre-Code _Afraid to Talk (1932)_ (qv) and just how homicidal his tendencies could be in the thriller _Night of Terror (1933)_ (qv) in which he manages to out-evil 'Bela Lugosi' (qv). His slick looks were nudgingly unpleasant and just this side of good-looking--ideal for "B" mysteries. He was on the losing end in plenty of crimers, including _King for a Night (1933)_ (qv) with 'Chester Morris' (qv), _The Dragon Murder Case (1934)_ (qv) and _Murder on a Honeymoon (1935)_ (qv). When he did appear in an "A" picture, he was often uncredited as in _Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)_ (qv), _Stella Dallas (1937)_ (qv), _Gone with the Wind (1939)_ (qv), _Casablanca (1942)_ (qv) and _The Ox-Bow Incident (1942)_ (qv).By the 1940s and WWII, Meeker started appearing further down the credits list playing everything from featured roles to one-liners. Still up to his debonair bad guy antics, he played everything from Nazi spies in _Spy Ship (1942)_ (qv) and _Secret Enemies (1942)_ (qv) to slick-haired gangsters in _Mr. Muggs Rides Again (1945)_ (qv), _Crime, Inc. (1945)_ (qv) and _Below the Deadline (1946)_ (qv). He also served up some shady suspects in cliffhangers with _Brenda Starr, Reporter (1945)_ (qv) and _Superman (1948)_ (qv) topping the list. Meeker retired from movie-making in 1951 and wasn't heard of much until his death from complications of Alzheimer's disease on August 19, 1984 in Carpenteria, California.::Gary Brumburgh / [email protected]