Charles Lane

Born: 1905-01-26

Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA

Biography

Charles Lane (born Charles Gerstle Levison; January 26, 1905 – July 9, 2007) was an American character actor and centenarian whose career spanned 77 years. Lane gave his last performance at the age of 101 as a narrator in 2006. Lane appeared in many Frank Capra films, including You Can't Take It With You (1938), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and Riding High (1950). He was a favored supporting actor of Lucille Ball, who often used him as a no-nonsense authority figure and comedic foe of her scatterbrained TV character on her TV series I Love Lucy, The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour and The Lucy Show. His first film of more than 250 was as a hotel clerk in Smart Money (1931) starring Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Known For

It's a Wonderful Life
The Aristocats
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Arsenic and Old Lace
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
You Can't Take It with You
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Mighty Joe Young
Date with an Angel
42nd Street

Top Movie Credits

It's a Wonderful Life Real Estate Salesman
The Aristocats Lawyer (voice)
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Airport Manager
Arsenic and Old Lace Reporter at Marriage License Office
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Nosey
You Can't Take It with You Henderson
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Hallor (uncredited)
Mighty Joe Young Producer (uncredited)
Date with an Angel Father O'Shea
42nd Street Author of 'Pretty Lady' (uncredited)