Roscoe Karns was a renowned American actor, born on September 7, 1891, in San Bernardino, California. He had a remarkable career spanning nearly a century, appearing in over 150 films between 1915 and 1964. Karns was particularly known for his versatility in playing cynical, wise-cracking, and often tipsy characters, bringing a unique energy to comedies and crime thrillers during the 1930s and 1940s.
Although he began his career in silent films, such as Wings and Beggars of Life, his career truly took off with the advent of sound. One of his most iconic roles was as the annoying bus passenger Oscar Shapeley in the Oscar-winning comedy It Happened One Night (1934),followed by a standout performance as the boozy press agent Owen O'Malley in Howard Hawks' Twentieth Century.
Karns continued to work with Hawks, co-starring in another classic, His Girl Friday, six years later. In 1937, Paramount paired him with Lynne Overman in two B comedy-mysteries, Murder Goes to College and Partners in Crime. The actor's impressive range also led him to play the title role in the popular DuMont Television Network series Rocky King, Inside Detective, from 1950 to 1954.
Karns's later work included a notable recurring role as Admiral Walter Shafer in the CBS military sitcom/drama series Hennesey, starring Jackie Cooper and Abby Dalton, from 1959 to 1962. His final film was another Howard Hawks comedy, Man's Favorite Sport?, in 1964.
Throughout his illustrious career, Karns worked alongside some of the most talented actors and directors of his time, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
