Keenan Wynn

Keenan Wynn

Hollywood's Chameleon

Keenan Wynn (1916-1986) was a versatile American character actor known for his distinctive voice, intense presence, and ability to play both comedic and villainous roles. Born into a showbiz family—his father was comedian Ed Wynn—Keenan carved out his own niche in Hollywood.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, he appeared in over 150 films and numerous TV shows. Notable roles include the conniving businessman Alonzo P. Hawk in Disney’s The Absent-Minded Professor and the intense Colonel "Bat" Guano in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove.

Related

Dr. Strangelove -1964

Keenan Wynn (1916 – 1986)

Biography and Movie Career:

Keenan Wynn was born on July 27, 1916, in New York City to a show business family. His father, Ed Wynn, was a popular comedian, and his mother, Hilda Keenan, was an actress. Keenan was exposed to the entertainment industry from an early age, which led to his pursuit of a career in acting.

Wynn began his career in the 1930s, performing in theater and on the radio. His first significant success came with his role in the Broadway play "The Star Wagon" in 1937. By the early 1940s, he had transitioned into films, and he became known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic roles to more serious and villainous parts.

One of his earliest notable film appearances was in the movie "The Clock" (1945), where he played a drunkard who creates complications for the lead characters. This role showcased Wynn's ability to add depth to even minor characters, a skill that would define his career.

Keenan Wynn's distinctive look, combined with his gravelly voice and strong screen presence, made him a favorite in supporting roles. He was often cast as the antagonist or a quirky side character, bringing a unique flair to each of his performances.

Wynn's career was marked by his versatility. He could seamlessly move from drama to comedy, and he was often cast in roles that required a certain intensity or eccentricity. His role as Colonel "Bat" Guano in Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964) is a perfect example of his ability to blend humor with a sense of menace.

In addition to his film work, Wynn also had a successful television career, appearing in numerous TV shows throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. His television credits include appearances on shows like "The Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," and "Dallas."

Keenan Wynn was married three times. His first marriage to Evie Wynn Johnson ended in divorce in 1947. Notably, Evie later married Van Johnson, Keenan’s friend and fellow actor. His second marriage to Betty Jane Butler also ended in divorce, and his third marriage to Sharley Hudson lasted until his death.

Wynn was the father of three children, all of whom went on to have careers in the entertainment industry. His son, Tracy Keenan Wynn, became a successful screenwriter, while his other son, Ned Wynn, pursued acting and writing.

Keenan Wynn continued to work steadily in films and television until his death. He passed away on October 14, 1986, from pancreatic cancer at the age of 70. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Wynn's contributions to the film industry were significant, with a career spanning over four decades and more than 150 film and television appearances. He remains remembered as a talented and reliable character actor who could always be counted on to deliver memorable performances, no matter the role.

The Life of Keenan Wynn:

Acting Style - Star of Complexity:

Keenan Wynn's acting style is best characterized by its versatility, intensity, and a unique ability to imbue even the most eccentric characters with a sense of depth and authenticity. Over his long and varied career, Wynn became known as one of Hollywood's most reliable and dynamic character actors, capable of playing a broad range of roles across genres—from the comedic to the sinister, and everything in between.

Versatility and Range

Wynn's versatility was perhaps his most defining trait. He could seamlessly move from light-hearted comedies to dark dramas without missing a beat, always bringing something new to each role. In films like "The Absent-Minded Professor" and "Herbie Rides Again," Wynn displayed a natural flair for comedy, often playing characters who were both larger-than-life and yet completely believable. His comedic timing was impeccable, and he had a knack for physical comedy, using his expressive face and voice to great effect. Yet, he was equally comfortable in dramatic roles, where he could project a sense of menace or moral ambiguity, as seen in his performance as Colonel "Bat" Guano in "Dr. Strangelove" or Yost in "Point Blank."

Intensity and Presence

Wynn's performances were marked by an intensity that commanded attention. Whether playing a villain, a tough guy, or a quirky side character, Wynn had a powerful screen presence that made him hard to ignore. This intensity came through in his expressive eyes, his gravelly voice, and his often forceful delivery of lines. He had a way of making even the smallest roles memorable by fully committing to the character's motivations and emotions. This commitment gave his characters a sense of realness, even when they were exaggerated or outlandish.

Complexity in Characterization

Another key aspect of Wynn's acting style was his ability to add complexity to his characters. He rarely played straightforward heroes or villains; instead, his characters often had layers and contradictions that made them intriguing. For instance, his portrayal of Alonzo P. Hawk in "The Absent-Minded Professor" and its sequels might seem like a simple caricature of a greedy businessman, but Wynn injected the role with a sense of obsessive drive and frustration that made Hawk more than just a cartoonish villain. In more serious roles, like those in "Nashville" or "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit," Wynn's characters often had a world-weariness or hidden vulnerability that added depth to their portrayal.

Adaptability to Genre and Role

Wynn's adaptability was also evident in how he approached different genres and roles. He could play in musicals, such as "Kiss Me Kate," and bring the same level of commitment and energy as he would in a gritty crime drama. His ability to adjust his performance to fit the tone and style of the film was a testament to his skill as an actor. Whether the role called for broad humor, subtle menace, or genuine pathos, Wynn could deliver.

Character Actor Par Excellence

Finally, Wynn was the quintessential character actor, content to support the leads while often stealing scenes with his vivid portrayals. He was not the star of most of his films, but he was the kind of actor who made every scene he was in better. Directors knew they could rely on him to bring something special to his parts, which is why he worked so consistently over his career.

In summary, Keenan Wynn's acting style was a blend of versatility, intensity, and a deep understanding of character. He could make the most out of any role, big or small, and his performances were marked by a commitment to the truth of the character, no matter how outlandish or ordinary. His ability to balance humor with seriousness, and to add layers of complexity to his roles, made him one of the most respected and memorable character actors of his time.

Personal Quotes from Keenan Wynn:

On Acting and Characters:

"I don't consider myself a star. I'm a hired hand, a character actor. I get to play more interesting roles that way. Stars never want to play the character roles—they want to play themselves, which is why they're stars."

On His Father, Ed Wynn (a famous comedian):

"I was always Ed Wynn's son. When people looked at me, they saw my father. I spent years trying to prove that I was something more."

On His Career:

"I’ve played heavies so many times, my neck’s been broken by Clark Gable and Glenn Ford, and I’ve been shot full of holes by John Wayne."

On the Entertainment Industry:

"There are a lot of people who will give you directions, but there are very few who will lead you down the right path."

On Being in Films:

"I love being in movies, I love the people I meet, the places I get to go. The work is hard, but the rewards are worth it."

On-Screen Quotes:

Wynn’s on-screen performances were also filled with memorable lines, often delivered with his signature style. Here are a couple of notable examples:

"Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964):

• Character: Colonel "Bat" Guano
• Quote: "You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company."
• Context: In this satirical film, Wynn’s character delivers this line with deadpan seriousness when instructed to shoot open a Coca-Cola machine to get change for a phone call, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

"The Absent-Minded Professor" (1961):

• Character: Alonzo P. Hawk
• Quote: "You can't keep a good man down, and Flubber's no exception."
• Context: As the greedy businessman Alonzo P. Hawk, Wynn delivers this line, encapsulating the comical persistence and resilience of his character, even in the face of bizarre scientific phenomena.

Awards and Recognition:

Keenan Wynn, despite his long and prolific career in film and television, did not receive a large number of major awards or nominations. However, his work was widely respected within the industry, and he did garner some recognition for his performances, particularly in the latter part of his career. Below is an overview of the awards and nominations Keenan Wynn received:

Nominations:

Primetime Emmy Award

• Category: Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
• Year: 1974
• For: "Police Story" (Episode: "The Gamble")
• Description: This nomination was for Wynn's guest appearance on the crime drama "Police Story," where he played a complex and emotionally charged role that earned him critical acclaim.

Golden Globe Award

• Category: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture
• Year: 1967
• For: "The Great Race" (1965)
• Description: Wynn was nominated for his role as Hezekiah Sturdy in this comedy-adventure film. His performance was widely appreciated for its comedic timing and energy.

Awards:

Laurel Award

• Category: Top Male Supporting Performance
• Year: 1967
• For: "The Great Race" (1965)
• Description: Wynn won the Laurel Award in this category, which was a recognition by exhibitors of his strong supporting role in "The Great Race." The Laurel Awards were presented annually by Motion Picture Exhibitor magazine based on a poll of film exhibitors in the United States.

Other Recognitions:

While Wynn's official awards and nominations were relatively few, his work was often praised by critics and industry peers. He was a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his professionalism and ability to elevate any project he was a part of.

Movies Starring Keenan Wynn:

"Somewhere I'll Find You" (1942)

Synopsis: Keenan Wynn plays an uncredited role in this romantic drama about two brothers, played by Clark Gable and Robert Sterling, who are war correspondents competing for the love of a woman.

"Lost Angel" (1943)

Synopsis: A little girl, raised in a scientific institute, escapes to experience life in the real world, with Keenan Wynn playing Packy Roost, a reporter who helps guide her journey.

"The Clock" (1945)

Synopsis: A romance set during World War II, where a soldier (Robert Walker) meets and falls in love with a woman (Judy Garland) during his two-day leave in New York City. Keenan Wynn plays a drunk man who disrupts their night out.

"What Next, Corporal Hargrove?" (1945)

Synopsis: A comedy about soldiers during World War II, with Wynn in a supporting role, adding his comedic flair to the ensemble cast.

"Weekend at the Waldorf" (1945)

Synopsis: A light comedy set in a luxury hotel, featuring an ensemble cast. Wynn plays a hotel worker who becomes involved in the antics of the guests.

"Ziegfeld Follies" (1945)

Synopsis: A lavish musical revue film, where Wynn appears in a series of comedic sketches and performances showcasing MGM's biggest stars.

"The Three Musketeers" (1948)

Synopsis: Wynn plays Planchet in this classic adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' novel about the swashbuckling adventures of the three musketeers.

"The Hucksters" (1947)

Synopsis: A drama about the cutthroat world of advertising, where Wynn plays a supporting role as a radio comedian who becomes embroiled in the central character’s schemes.

"Song of the Thin Man" (1947)

Synopsis: Wynn plays Clarence "Clinker" Krause in this final entry in the popular Thin Man series, where the detective couple investigates a murder in the jazz world.

"Annie Get Your Gun" (1950)

Synopsis: A musical comedy about the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Wynn plays Charlie Davenport, who helps discover Annie's talent.

"Kiss Me Kate" (1953)

Synopsis: A musical adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," where Wynn plays Lippy, one of the gangsters sent to collect a debt from the male lead.

"Easy to Love" (1953)

Synopsis: A musical about a water show performer, Wynn plays Ray, the publicist who helps the protagonist navigate her love life.

"The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" (1956)

Synopsis: A drama about a World War II veteran struggling with his post-war life, with Wynn playing a colleague who offers insight into the corporate world.

"Don't Go Near the Water" (1957)

Synopsis: A comedy set during World War II about a group of Navy men stationed on a small Pacific island. Wynn adds comedic support as Chief Sam Tostin.

"The Absent-Minded Professor" (1961)

Synopsis: A Disney comedy about a college professor who invents a gravity-defying substance called Flubber. Wynn plays the conniving businessman Alonzo P. Hawk.

"Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964)

Synopsis: A satirical black comedy about nuclear war. Wynn plays Colonel "Bat" Guano, a military officer tasked with controlling a chaotic situation.

"The Great Race" (1965)

Synopsis: A comedy about a race from New York to Paris. Wynn plays Hezekiah Sturdy, a mechanical genius who helps build the protagonist’s race car.

"Point Blank" (1967)

Synopsis: A crime thriller about a man seeking revenge on those who betrayed him. Wynn plays Yost, a mysterious figure who aids the protagonist.

"Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968)

Synopsis: A classic Western about a mysterious stranger protecting a widow from a ruthless assassin. Wynn plays the sheriff of the town, adding a layer of moral complexity to the story.

"Finian's Rainbow" (1968)

Synopsis: A musical fantasy about an Irishman who steals a leprechaun's pot of gold and moves to America. Wynn plays a leprechaun who becomes human.

"Herbie Rides Again" (1974)

Synopsis: A Disney comedy about a sentient Volkswagen Beetle, with Wynn reprising his role as the greedy developer Alonzo P. Hawk.

"Nashville" (1975)

Synopsis: A satirical drama set in the country music capital, featuring interwoven stories of various characters. Wynn plays Mr. Green, a businessman with ties to the industry.

"Orca" (1977)

Synopsis: A thriller about a vengeful killer whale. Wynn plays a fisherman who gets caught up in the whale’s quest for revenge.

"Piranha" (1978)

Synopsis: A horror film about a school of deadly piranhas accidentally released into a river. Wynn plays the eccentric owner of a fish farm.

"The Devil and Max Devlin" (1981)

Synopsis: A Disney comedy about a man who makes a deal with the devil. Wynn plays Barney Satin, the devil’s assistant who oversees the contract.

"Laserblast" (1986)

Synopsis: A low-budget science fiction film about a teenager who finds an alien weapon. Wynn plays the sheriff who gets involved in the ensuing chaos.