American actor (1903–1956)
Eddie Acuff
Born Edward DeKalb Acuff
(1903-06-03 ) June 3, 1903Died December 17, 1956(1956-12-17) (aged 53) Resting place Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery Occupation Actor Years active 1932–1952
Edward DeKalb Acuff (June 3, 1903 – December 17, 1956) was an American stage and film actor. He frequently was cast as a droll comic relief, in the support of the star. His best-known recurring role is that of Mr. Beasley, the postman, in the Blondie movie series that starred Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake .[ 1]
Early years
Acuff was born in Caruthersville, Missouri .[ 2] He was the son of DeKalb Acuff (1880-1916)[ 3] and his wife Grace (later known as Mrs. H. N. Arnold),.[ 4]
Career
Before beginning his Hollywood film career in 1934, Acuff performed in Broadway theatre in the early-1930s. His Broadway credits include Jayhawker (1934), Yellow Jack (1934), John Brown (1934), Growing Pains (1933), Heat Lightning (1933), and The Dark Hours (1932).[ 5]
In 1935, Warner Bros. signed Acuff to a long-term contract and scheduled him to debut on film in Anchors Aweigh .[ 6] He had a recurring role as the postman in the Blondie film series.[ 7] Acuff was seen in three film serials — as Curly in Jungle Girl , as Red Kelly in Daredevils of the West , and as Spud Warner in Chick Carter Detective .[ 8]
Death
On December 17, 1956, Acuff died of a heart attack[ 2] in Hollywood, California . He is buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery .[ 9]
Filmography
Film
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1934
Here Comes the Navy
Marine Orderly
Uncredited
1935
Mr. Widget
Short Film; uncredited
Shipmates Forever
Lincoln 'Cowboy'
I Found Stella Parish
Dimmie
Miss Pacific Fleet
Clarence 'Dutch'
1936
The Petrified Forest
Lineman
The Walking Dead
Betcha
Boulder Dam
Ed Harper
Colleen
Uncredited
The Law in Her Hands
Eddie O'Malley
The Golden Arrow
Davis
Crash Donovan
Alabam
Jailbreak
Sig Patton
The Case of the Velvet Claws
Spudsy Drake
Yellowstone
Desk Clerk
Uncredited
Laughing at Trouble
Jamie Bradford
Credited as Edward Acuff
Let's Make a Million
Uncredited
1937
Guns of the Pecos
Ranger Jeff Carter
Black Legion
Metcalf
The Outer Gate
Todd Shannon
Credited as Edward Acuff
The Go Getter
Bob Blair
What Price Vengeance
Tex McGirk
The Singing Marine
Sam
They Won't Forget
Drugstore Clerk
Talent Scout
Musselman - Writer
Uncredited
Back in Circulation
Murphy
Love Is on the Air
'Dunk' Glover
Missing Witnesses
Detective Pete
Uncredited
She Loved a Fireman
Skillet Michaels
Hollywood Hotel
Cameraman
1938
The Invisible Menace
Corporal Sanger
Law of the Underworld
Bill
Gangs of New York
Motorist
Uncredited
Ladies in Distress
Horace - First Thug
Young Fugitives
Loafer
Uncredited
The Chaser
Photographer
Uncredited
Smashing the Rackets
Joe - Hoodlum
Credited as Edward Acuff
Four Daughters
Sam
Youth Takes a Fling
Bum
King of Alcatraz
Steward
Uncredited
How to Watch Football
Yelling Fan Next to Benchley
Short Film; uncredited
Rhythm of the Saddle
Dixie Erwin
The Cowboy and the Lady
Bus Driver
Uncredited
His Exciting Night
Reporter
Uncredited
Next Time I Marry
Gas Station Attendant
Uncredited
Road Demon
Smitty
Uncredited
Ride a Crooked Mile
Airplane Pilot
Uncredited
1939
Fighting Thoroughbreds
Uncredited
The Phantom Creeps
Mac - AMI Agent
The Mysterious Miss X
Pete - Policeman
Ambush
Bus Conductor
Uncredited
Wings of the Navy
Reporter
Uncredited
Persons in Hiding
Collins
Uncredited
High Peril
Short Film
Society Smugglers
Radio Technician
Blondie Meets the Boss
Pots and Pans Peddler
Uncredited
Rough Riders' Round-up
Tommy Ward
Winner Take All
Second
Uncredited
Blind Alley
State Trooper Stopping Fred
Uncredited
Help Wanted
Workman
Short Film; uncredited
The Cowboy Quarterback
Airplane Pilot
Miracles for Sale
Second Taxi Driver
Uncredited
When Tomorrow Comes
Second Bus Driver
Uncredited
Flight at Midnight
Stubby - Passenger Plane Pilot
Uncredited
Two Bright Boys
Washburn
Espionage Agent
Uncredited
Hero for a Day
Eddie Gibbons
Uncredited
On Dress Parade
Fort Lewis Sergeant
Uncredited
The Roaring Twenties
Cabbie
Uncredited
Too Busy to Work
Stage Manager
Meet Dr. Christian
Benson
Days of Jesse James
Train Conductor
Uncredited
Lawyer Woman
Backfire
1940
Oh, Johnny, How You Can Love!
Motorcycle Cop
Uncredited
Cafe Hostess
Scotty
Honeymoon Deferred
Cab Driver
Uncredited
Castle on the Hudson
Bill
Uncredited
Charlie Chan in Panama
Sailor
Uncredited
Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me
Counter Man
Uncredited
It's a Date
Ship's Steward
Uncredited
Star Dust
Mike, Dallas Stagehand
Uncredited
Shooting High
Andy Carson
Enemy Agent
Federal Agent Posing as Drunk
Uncredited
Buck Benny Rides Again
Truck Driver
Uncredited
Flight Angels
Mechanic with Apple
Uncredited
Sailor's Lady
Guide
Manhattan Heartbeat
First Mechanic
Uncredited
Girls of the Road
Bartley - Bus Driver
Uncredited
They Drive by Night
Driver in Café
Uncredited
The Boys from Syracuse
Taxi Cab Driver
The Secret Seven
Driver
Uncredited
Money and the Woman
Mr. Jones
Uncredited
Flowing Gold
Shorty Smith
Uncredited
Dr. Kildare Goes Home
Clifford Genet - Orderly
Uncredited
Spring Parade
Earl
Uncredited
So You Won't Talk
Lounger
Uncredited
The Villain Still Pursued Her
Joe
Uncredited
Slightly Tempted
Hartman - Policeman
Uncredited
One Night in the Tropics
First S.S. Atlantica Steward
Uncredited
Gallant Sons
Taxi Driver
Scenes deleted
The Bank Dick
Reporter
Uncredited
Dr. Kildare's Crisis
Clifford Genet - Window Cleaner
Uncredited
The Border Legion
Ticket Agent
Uncredited
Texas Rangers Ride Again
Bud - Ranger Stenographer
Uncredited
The Green Hornet Strikes Again!
Lowery - a Reporter
1941
Robin Hood of the Pecos
Sam Starr
Six Lessons from Madame La Zonga
Steward
High Sierra
Bus Driver
Uncredited
Arkansas Judge
Townsman
Uncredited
Back Street
Andy
Uncredited
Ride, Kelly, Ride
Roy Wall
Uncredited
Blondie Goes Latin
Cab Driver
Uncredited
The Great Train Robbery
Telegrapher
Uncredited
Here Comes Happiness
Bill
Dutiful But Dumb
Headquarters Guard - Right of Door
Short film; uncredited
Mr. District Attorney
Cabbie
Uncredited
Model Wife
Undetermined Role
Uncredited
The Wagons Roll at Night
Pickpocket Victim
Uncredited
The People vs. Dr. Kildare
Clifford Genet
The Great American Broadcast
Jimmy
Broadway Limited
Engineer's Assistant
Uncredited
Jungle Girl
Curly Rogers
A Very Young Lady
Sheriff Bill Stone
Uncredited
Bad Men of Missouri
Peg Leg
Uncredited
Rags to Riches
Ace
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day
Clifford Genet - Orderly
Uncredited
Bad Man of Deadwood
Reporter of Burns' Death
Uncredited
They Died with Their Boots On
Cpl. Smith
Uncredited
Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case
Hypo
Hellzapoppin'
Drafted Devil
Uncredited
1942
Fly-by-Night
Garage Attendant
Uncredited
Dr. Kildare's Victory
Clifford Genet
The Lady Is Willing
Patrolman Murphy
Uncredited
What's Cookin'
Doorman
Uncredited
Sleepytime Gal
First Mug
Uncredited
Sing Your Worries Away
Tour Map Seller
Uncredited
True to the Army
Sgt. Riggs
Who Is Hope Schuyler?
Arthur Guerney
Uncredited
Mississippi Gambler
Everett - Desk Clerk
Take a Letter, Darling
Man Who Picks Teeth
Uncredited
In This Our Life
Worker
Uncredited
She's in the Army
Pete
Private Buckaroo
Waiter Captain
Uncredited
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Reporter
Uncredited
The Postman Didn't Ring
Photographer
Uncredited
Calling Dr. Gillespie
Clifford Genet
Timber!
Man
Uncredited
Blondie for Victory
Husband Whose Wife Knits Socks
Uncredited
Pardon My Sarong
Wise Guy at Gas Station
Uncredited
The Old Homestead
Policeman
Uncredited
Bells of Capistrano
Mug / Sign-Poster #1
Uncredited
The War Against Mrs. Hadley
Soldier in Canteen
Uncredited
Girl Trouble
Taxi Driver
Uncredited
Youth on Parade
Cop
Uncredited
Army Surgeon
Sergeant
Uncredited
Fall In
Sgt. Topps
Uncredited
Dr. Gillespie's New Assistant
Clifford Genet
The Traitor Within
Tommy
1943
Slightly Dangerous
Soda Jerk
Uncredited
He Hired the Boss
Driver
Uncredited
Good Morning, Judge
Cab Driver
Uncredited
Daredevils of the West
Red Kelly
Pilot #5
Newsreel Cameraman
Uncredited
Hers to Hold
Reporter
Uncredited
Headin' for God's Country
Hugo Higgins
Guadalcanal Diary
Pvt. Tex McIlvoy
Uncredited
Flesh and Fantasy
Cop
Uncredited
Swingtime Johnny
Worker
Uncredited
Lost Angel
Policeman
Uncredited
1944
Week-End Pass
Waikowsky
Hat Check Honey
Cameraman
Uncredited
Four Jills in a Jeep
Sentry
Scenes deleted
It Happened Tomorrow
Jim
Hey, Rookie
Jokester
Uncredited
Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble
Taxi Driver #1
Uncredited
Once Upon a Time
Shipyard Worker
Uncredited
Silent Partner
Taxicab Driver
Uncredited
South of Dixie
Jay Hatcher
Christmas Holiday
Steve
Uncredited
Bride by Mistake
Photographer
Uncredited
Wing and a Prayer
Pharmacist's Mate
Uncredited
I Love a Soldier
Private
Uncredited
Rainbow Island
Sailor
Uncredited
In the Meantime, Darling
Milkman
Uncredited
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Harry
Uncredited
Something for the Boys
Blue Army Radio Operator
Uncredited
Sergeant Mike
Monohan
Uncredited
Carolina Blues
Eddie
Uncredited
Can't Help Singing
Cavalry Officer
Uncredited
Belle of the Yukon
Miner
Uncredited
1945
She Gets Her Man
Boze - Photographer
Roughly Speaking
Billiards Player
Uncredited
Her Lucky Night
Chauffeur
Leave It to Blondie
Mailman
Uncredited
Without Love
Taxi Driver
Uncredited
The Clock
First Subway Official
Uncredited
Between Two Women
Orderly
Brewster's Millions
Cab Driver
Uncredited
Diamond Horseshoe
Clarinet Player
Uncredited
Honeymoon Ahead
Connors
Wonder Man
Pelican Club Doorman
Uncredited
Flame of Barbary Coast
Fireman
Uncredited
The Frozen Ghost
Reporter in Hallway
Uncredited
Don Juan Quilligan
Customer at Mossrock's
Uncredited
The Jungle Captive
Bill
On Stage Everybody
George
Uncredited
The Hidden Eye
Whitey
Shadow of Terror
Joe Walters
Life with Blondie
Mailman
Uncredited
San Antonio
Gawking Townsman
Uncredited
1946
Meet Me on Broadway
Waiter
Uncredited
The Notorious Lone Wolf
Detective Jones
Uncredited
The Flying Serpent
Jerry 'Jonsey' Jones
Cinderella Jones
Truck Driver
Uncredited
Renegades
Stagecoach Driver
Uncredited
Blonde Alibi
Ambulance Attendant
Uncredited
Bad Bascomb
Corporal Finch
Uncredited
Inside Job
Jerry
Uncredited
Chick Carter, Detective
Spud Warner
Danger Woman
Reporter
Uncredited
The Bamboo Blonde
M.P. Sergeant
Uncredited
Three Little Girls in Blue
Josh
Uncredited
Wake Up and Dream
Bus Driver
Uncredited
Gallant Bess
Chief Petty Officer
Uncredited
Heldorado
Carnival Shooting Gallery Attendant
Lady in the Lake
Ed - Coroner
Uncredited
1947
Blondie's Big Moment
Mailman
Uncredited
The Sea of Grass
Cattleman
Uncredited
Suddenly, It's Spring
Man Retrieving Pajamas
Uncredited
Buck Privates Come Home
Soldier
Uncredited
Blondie's Holiday
Postman
Bells of San Angelo
Bus Driver
Swing the Western Way
Mr. Spraggs
Wyoming
Nester
Uncredited
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Wells Fargo Cowboy
Uncredited
Down to Earth
Stage Hand
Uncredited
Exposed
Policeman at Bentry Mansion Door
Uncredited
Black Gold
Colonel Caldwell's Ranch Foreman
Uncredited
Blondie in the Dough
Postman
The Fabulous Texan
Telegrapher
Uncredited
Roses Are Red
Reporter
Uncredited
Bandits of Dark Canyon
Stage Passenger Faraday
Blondie's Anniversary
Mailman
Uncredited
1948
Slippy McGee
Charlie
G-Men Never Forget
'Fiddler' - Used Car Salesman
Black Bart
Elkins
Uncredited
Song of Idaho
Hash Brown
Blondie's Reward
Mr. Johnson
The Timber Trail
Telegraph Operator
Coroner Creek
Bit
Uncredited
Northwest Stampede
Hamburger Vendor
Uncredited
The Return of October
Stable Boy
Uncredited
Leather Gloves
Duke
Bungalow 13
José Fernando
Smoky Mountain Melody
Jenkins
Blondie's Secret
Mr. Beasley
1949
Blondie's Big Deal
Mr. Beasley
Home in San Antone
Postman
Uncredited
Johnny Allegro
Sam
Uncredited
Miss Grant Takes Richmond
Bus Driver
Uncredited
1950
The Milkman
Herman Schultz
Uncredited
1951
Painting the Clouds with Sunshine
Golden Egg Doorman
Uncredited
1952
Stop, You're Killing Me
Cab Driver
Uncredited; final role
Television
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1950
The Lone Ranger
Sheriff
Episode: "Sheep Thieves"
References
^ "Day's Best Hollywood Story" . Toledo Blade . January 12, 1948. Retrieved September 10, 2012 .
^ a b Mayer, Geoff (2017). Encyclopedia of American Film Serials . McFarland. p. 26. ISBN 9780786477623 . Retrieved December 26, 2017 .
^ Obituary: DeKalb Acuff, The Pemiscot Argus , Caruthersville, MO., p. 6, 24 Feb. 1916
^ "Eddie Acuff in picture Sun.-Mon" . Caruthersville Journal . Missouri, Caruthersville. July 1, 1937. p. 4. Retrieved January 2, 2020 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Eddie Acuff" . Internet Broadway Database . The Broadway League. Archived from the original on December 26, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2017 .
^ Percy, Eileen (June 4, 1935). "Warners Sign Stage Comic" . Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. p. 8. Retrieved January 2, 2020 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Eddie Acuff Returns As Postman in 'Blondie' Series" . The Owensboro Messenger . Kentucky, Owensboro. August 22, 1948. p. 15. Retrieved January 2, 2020 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Cline, William C. (1997). In the Nick of Time: Motion Picture Sound Serials . McFarland. p. 100. ISBN 9780786404711 . Retrieved December 26, 2017 .
^ Resting Places: The Burial Places of 14,000 Famous Persons, by Scott Wilson
External links