William Demarest Biography

Fast Facts

• A Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, Calif․, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him in 1998
• Was the youngest of three brothers in the Demarest Trio, vaudeville group
• During World War I, he served in the United States Army
• In 1926, he moved to Hollywood to appear in early Vitaphone sound shorts for Warner Bros
• Was part of the stock troupe of actors that director Preston Sturges cast in his films
• Played characters who were soft-hearted grouches in over 100 films
• Best known for playing the crusty, retired sea captain Uncle Charley on "My Three Sons․"
• Loved golf, and died on the same day and year as professional golfer Jimmy Demaret
• His biography was included in Ronald L․ Smith's "Who's Who in Comedy․"
• Was a professional boxer for a time, but didn't like to talk about his boxing career