UPDATE: Day Three
I’m thrilled to be hosting the third and final day of the What A Character! Blogathon for 2014. For the third year in a row the response, enthusiasm and quality of posts dedicated to these actors have been outstanding.
I’ll be updating the links to individual posts throughout the day and will promote today’s entire roster tonight by way of a social media character actor frenzy. Stay tuned! In the meantime you may want to catch up with the submissions for Day One and Day Two of the event. Scroll down to access those posts. The few tardy entries will be added as received.
Day three – November 18 – Hosted by Aurora
A Person in the Dark, a self-described Ann Dvorak freak discusses a career that shifted from A-list star to character actor.
He represented authority, played aristocrats, was the captain of a cricket team and shared a birthday with the one who honors him. On C. Aubrey Smith it’s Critica Retro.
The lovable Cecil Kellaway and his “old guy charm” never fail to entertain by The Lady Eve’s Reel Life.
Charles Coburn, a familiar actor with a great presence by Amy’s Rib
The Movie Rat pays tribute to Christopher Lloyd who after 180 screen credits is still a bonus and a boon to any film.
A Closer Inspection of Dennis Hoey by Silver Scenes.
Christy’s Inkwells honors Don Beddoe, “a character actor with a genial, sometimes startled look” and one hell of a resume.
Outspoken & Freckled on the aristocrat, anxious fussbudget with the signature triple-take, Edward Everett Horton.
Elsa Lanchester, the memorable bohemian who thought of acting as an aside is paid tribute by Blog of the Damned
The Blonde at the Film pays proper tribute to the smarmy, properly disdainful, politely condescending, usually very odd, but always great, Eric Blore.
Broadway to Hollywood, the life and career of Grant Mitchell is the focus of Immortal Ephemera.
Movie Fan Fare looks at Henry Travers: Attaboy Clarence! An actor’s resume that lists much more than Angel Second Class!
Tough broad Iris Adrian played herself, an unforgettable gum-chewing, jailhouse, wisecracking blonde as described by Speakeasy.
Karl Malden played good, honorable, dignified and often troubled says Oh Rachel Leigh
Classic Movie Hub spotlights the career of the wonderfully snobbish Melville Cooper
Happy birthday, Ned Sparks from Paula’s Cinema Club
A generous, compassionate man lived a life laced with lies. Raymond Burr is given his due by Shadows and Satin.
Who is She? Rochelle Hudson by Bunnybun’s Classic Movie Blog
Thelma Ritter, Extraordinary Everywoman is the subject of this post by Cinephiled
By way of anecdotes and name dropping Moon in Gemini honors Wallace Shawn.
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Day One – November 16 – Hosted by Kellee
Ann Doran and Lurene Tuttle – Theresa on Once Upon a Screen
Burgess Meredith by The Last Drive-In
Charles Durning – Movie Movie Blog Blog
Chester Clute by Grand Old Movies
Chris Cooper by Jack Deth on Paula’s Cinema Club
Edna May Oliver by Portraits by Jenni
Frank McHugh by (This) Girl Friday
Richard Widmark by Danny’s Reviews
Tony Randall by A Shroud of Thoughts
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Day Two – November 17 – Hosted by Paula
Agnes Moorehead by Tales of the Easily Distracted
Arthur Housman by Silent-ology
Charles Lane & Friz Feld by Vienna’s Classic Hollywood
Esther Dale by Caftan Woman
Harry Dean Stanton by Joel’s Classic Film Passion
Kathleen Howard by Sister Celluloid
Mae Busch by Movies, Silently
Peter Lorre by Second Sight Cinema
Thomas Mitchell by Once Upon a Screen
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And we end with a huge THANK YOU to all the participants in the third annual What A Character! Blogathon! On behalf of Kellee and Paula I can say confidently that by way of your posts we have relived wonderful moments in film, you’ve spotlighted legendary careers and brought to light many faces we all too often ignore. As always it’s an education, a pleasure and an honor to have you join us.
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Announcement: (How this year’s event began)
In 2012 we – as in Kellee, Paula and I – borrowed a catch-phrase from our home of the classics, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) in order to host a blogathon dedicated to those whose names few remember. The phrase is WHAT A CHARACTER! and the players are actors who rarely got leading parts, exhibiting instead a versatility and depth many leading players wished they had. We never tire of seeing them or paying tribute and as the previous two installments of this event proved, neither do you. So, here we are with the third annual WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon.
To say we’re thrilled is an understatement and we hope you’ll join us in spotlighting the Edward Arnolds and Eugene Pallettes and Eve Ardens of the world, the oft forgotten names that never appeared above the title. If this is right up your movie alley then give us a shout out…
Kellee at Outspoken & Freckled and (@IrishJayHawk66) and Kellee Pratt
Paula at Paula’s Cinema Club and (@Paula_Guthat) and Paula Guthat
Aurora at Once Upon a Screen and (@CitizenScreen) and Citizen Screen
And please adhere to the following:
- Let one of the hosts know which character actor is your choice. Since there are so many greats worthy of mention, we won’t take any repeats and we’re not limiting these to “classic” actors. Great character actors have made their mark since the end of the classic era and deserve some attention as well so the field is wide open.
- Please include your twitter or FB tag, email address and blog name & URL.
- Publish the post for either November 16, 17 & 18. Let us know if you have a date preference, otherwise we’ll split publicizing duties equally among the three days.
- Please include the blogathon graphic on your blog to help us publicize the event.
- Include the graphic and link to the host sites in your WHAT A CHARACTER! post
- If possible, please send any of the hosts the direct link to your WHAT A CHARACTER! post by the day before your due date. Otherwise we’ll simply link to your site’s home page.
- HAVE FUN and spread the word! There are many great characters worthy of attention.
A big thank you – HAPPY BLOGGING!
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PS – You might be interested in visiting the page dedicated to WHAT A CHARACTER! on this blog where all posts from previous years are featured. It’s an impressive lot. You can also access the list of names of the “characters” whose faces appear on our banner there.
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“I was only a leading man for a minute; now I’m a character actor.” – Robin Williams
Once upon a screen... 
I never really thought of Rochelle Hudson as a character actress but she wasn’t leading lady. I’d like to do Rochelle Hudson before anyone else takes her. I doubt anyone else is taking her but just in case, I want her to be mine!
She’s yours, Rita! YAY!! 🙂
Okay, I’m in. I choose, Elsa Lanchester. Don’t know a lot about her other than she’s awesome and absolutely steals the show in one of my all-time faves, The Big Clock. It will be fun trying to research her and find stuff from her I haven’t seen.
Wonderful!! Looking forward to it, Chris! 🙂
Aurora, just to be more official than Twitter, I’ll take Grant Mitchell on the 18th at Immortal Ephemera. Thanks, excited as always for this event!
Wonderful, Cliff!! I love this one too. Always a lot to learn about these actors.
Aurora
Dang! I’ll be busy with my own British Empire Blogathon, which is the same weekend…
Yeah, so many events happening. Had this one planned for a while but was hosting others.
OK, I’m got! Can I do Leo Carillo?
One can never have too much blogging, wot?
TRUTH!! Will add you in a bit. 🙂
Is it really that time of year already? I’d like to work up a piece on Esther Dale, if you please.
Thanks! Very excited and you’ll be on the list for Ms. Dale momentarily. 🙂
Aurora
Has Walter Brennan been done? I didn’t see his name on any of the lists.
No, he’s not chosen. At least not yet.
Aurora
Right after tweeting you, I remembered someone I have been wanting to write about for awhile. I will do John Ridgely.
Done! 😀
I see Thomas Mitchell (whom i have already written about) is already taken. Great choice! Can I do frank mchugh?
Yours!! 🙂
Aurora
What date am I posting?
Burgess Meredith just tickles me!!! Can I come out an play ???
On the list!! 🙂 Happy to see you in the mix.
Aurora
I for one am Looking forward to reading your Burgess Meredith post, Peaches! 😀 Wamest wishes to you and yours!
Hey, Aurora…I”d like to write on Harry Dean Stanton 🙂
DONE!! 🙂
Oh please put me in for Edna May Oliver-I just love her films, she’s always so sharp in her portrayals. I’ll have my blog up and ready for 11/16th-thanks!!!!!
Terrific choice! Thanks. 🙂
I have my character actor chosen since last year (and, yes, I already know who I’ll write about in 2015 as well!). Give me C. Aubrey Smith!
Kisses!
Le
Now THAT’S enthusiasm! Love it. 🙂
Aurora
May I write about Dame Edith Evans?
Absolutely! I’m thrilled. Thank you.
Aurora
I’d love to write about Cecil Kellaway if he’s still available.
Love him! Wonderful choice. Adding you to the list. 🙂
Aurora
May I write about Ann Dvorak? She started as a star, but ended up playing choice supporting roles.
YES!! 🙂
Hey, you character actor lovers, would there possibly be room with one of our favorites, Agnes Moorehead! We hope you gals can include Our Gal Agnes with WHAT A CHARACTER! If not, we’ll be brave! 🙂 Please let us know; either way, I know this year’s WHAT A CHARACTER! will be great fun, as always! 😀
NO, no need to be brave! There’s always room for all of you!! Wonderful choice, of course. She was a-ma-zing!! So excited Tea B is joining us!
Aurora
Hooray! Thanks a million for including us in this year’s WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon, my friend! We can hardly wait! 😀
Hi, Aurora! Was having a tough time making up my mind about who to write about, but I have finally decided. Please put me down for Wallace Shawn.
FANTASTIC!! I’m teetering on changing my mind. Adding you now. 🙂
Aurora
Great blogathon, but just too hard to pick a player! Has Billie Burke been taken? I’d love to write about her…
No! She’s yours. Wonderful to have you and Billie onboard!
Aurora
Aw yeah, I would love to cover Arthur Housman!
Done!! Yay!
Aurora
Ooh, ooh, ooh, could you put me down for Dennis Hoey? My sister will probably pick a character too, but she is undecided at the moment.
Connie
Silver Scenes
silverscenesblog.blogspot.com
Sounds great, Connie! Just tell hr to reach out when she decides on an actor. I’ll add you to the list in the meantime. 🙂
Aurora
Could I do Charles Lane with a little bit of Friz Feld as well!
Your third year. What a tribute to the people we love.
Thought I’d responded to you. LOVE those choices. You’re on the list! 🙂
Aurora
Greetings, Aurora. With the Yuletide season on the horizon, I’ll like to stake a claim on everyone’s favorite “angel, second class,” Henry Travers. The article will run on MovieFanFare on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Wonderful, Gary! I’ll add you and Henry to the list shortly. 🙂
Aurora
Hiya, Aurora — can I do Raymond Burr?
YES!!! 😀 Will add you to the list. WoooHooo
Aurora
Howdy, if it’s not too late to join, I’d like to write on CHESTER CLUTE for Grand Old Movies – thanks!
Wonderful to have you and Mr. Clute! 🙂
Reblogged this on the last drive in and commented:
This is going to be a character filled event!!!!! Wahoo can’t wait Cheers!
Hey there! I would like to lay claim to Mae Busch. I will probably review Souls for Sale. Please schedule me for the 18th, if possible. Thanks so much!
Yay! You got it! Will add you both to the list tomorrow. 🙂
Here’s my blogathon post on Chester Clute for Grand Old Movies – direct link: https://aurorasginjoint.com/2014/10/15/what-a-character-blogathon-2014/
Got it, THANKS!! 🙂
My post on Wallace Shawn is up!
http://debravega.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/what-a-character-blogathon-2014-wallace-shawn/#more-4676
Love it!!! Will commont and promote later today! 🙂
Oh dear, we thought we were just a day late….now we see it is two days late! If you can still squeeze us in, we got our Dennis Hoey post finished. Sorry about the delay!
http://silverscenesblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/dennis-hoey-closer-inspection.html
No worries. I’ll switch you to today. 🙂