Edward Barry Kelley (August 19, 1908 – June 5, 1991) was an American actor on Broadway in the 1930s and 1940s and in films during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. The heavy-set actor created the role of Ike in Oklahoma! on Broadway. His large size and acting range had him playing primarily judges, detectives, and police officers.[1]
Kelley began acting on the stage in the 1930s.[3] His Broadway credits include Within the Gates (1934-1935), Parnell (1935-1936), Saint Joan (1936), Hamlet (1936-1937), The Wingless Victory (1936-1937), The Star-Wagon (1937-1938), Mamba's Daughters (1940), Strip for Action (1942-1943), Oklahoma! (1943-1948), Loco (1946), Wonderful Journey (1946-1947), and Portrait in Black (1947).[4]
In 1959, Kelley appeared as Josh Teller on Lawman in the episode titled "The Outsider."[8] He portrayed the recurring character Jim Rafferty in five episodes of the 1960–1961 situation comedyThe Tom Ewell Show.[9] In 1961 he appeared as Governor Johnson on the TV western Lawman in the episode titled "Owny O'Reilly."[10]
In 1962, Kelley played Captain Donovan in the episode "The Parish Car" of the ABC drama series, Going My Way, starring Gene Kelly.[15] Kelley guest starred three times in the western television series Bonanza between 1959 and 1965, playing different roles.[14] He played Judge Bryant in the episode "Trial at Tablerock" in Have Gun - Will Travel. He also appeared occasionally as Alan Young's father-in-law on the situation comedyMister Ed (1961–1966).[16]
In 1964, he portrayed Hurley Feasel in the episode "Kate Flat on Her Back" of the CBS sitcom Petticoat Junction; in the credits of that episode his last name was spelled "Kelly."[17] In 1966 he played Park Milgrave in the Perry Mason episode, "The Case of the Fanciful Frail."[18] He portrayed a mayor on Rango in 1967 in the episode ""If You Can't Take It with You, Don't Go."[19]
Kelley's last television role was as Sheriff Vic Crandall in three more episodes of Petticoat Junction in 1967 and 1968.[14][20]
