Mickey Shaughnessy
Joseph Michael Shaughnessy (August 5, 1920 – July 23, 1985) was an Irish American character actor and comedian who specialized in playing lovable, but not-too-bright lugs. He was known for roles such as the tough, experienced mentor of Elvis Presley's character in Jailhouse Rock and Maxi the punch-drunk boxer in Designing Woman (1957) opposite Gregory Peck.
Mickey Shaughnessy | |
---|---|
As Hunk Houghton in Jailhouse Rock (1957) | |
Born | Joseph Michael Shaughnessy August 5, 1920 New York City, New York, U.S. |
Died | July 23, 1985 64) | (aged
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1952–1985 |
Spouse(s) | Sarah Shaughnessy (19??–1985; his death); 7 children |
The New York City-born Shaughnessy was a Golden Gloves boxer.[1]
Shaughnessy started out as a singer before becoming a comedian.[2] He served in World War II and appeared in a US Army revue called "Stars and Gripes".[2] After the war, a Columbia Pictures producer saw him performing on stage and offered him a screen test.[2] In addition to his film career, he also worked in radio and television and had a nightclub act.[1]
Later years/death
In his later years, Shaughnessy lived in Wildwood, New Jersey, and died at the age of 64 from lung cancer in nearby Cape May Court House.[2] He was survived by his wife Sarah, four daughters and three sons.
Complete filmography
- The Princess and the Pirate (1944) - Man who brings the beers (uncredited)
- The Marrying Kind (1952) - Pat Bundy
- Last of the Comanches (1953) - Rusty Potter
- From Here to Eternity (1953) - Sgt. Leva
- Conquest of Space (1955) - Sgt. Mahoney
- Designing Woman (1957) - Maxie Stultz
- The Burglar (1957) - Dohmer
- Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (1957) - Solly Pitts
- Until They Sail (1957) - US Marine, Store Customer
- Jailhouse Rock (1957) - Hunk Houghton
- Don't Go Near the Water (1957) - Farragut Jones
- The Sheepman (1958) - Jumbo McCall
- Gunman's Walk (1958) - Deputy Sheriff Will Motely
- A Nice Little Bank That Should Be Robbed (1958) - Harold 'Rocky' Baker
- The Hangman (1959) - Al Cruse
- Ask Any Girl (1959) - Mr. Eager - Man Smoking Cigarette (uncredited)
- Don't Give Up the Ship (1959) - Stan Wychinski
- Edge of Eternity (1959) - Scotty O'Brien
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1960) - The Duke
- College Confidential (1960) - Sam Grover
- Sex Kittens Go to College (1960) - Boomie
- North to Alaska (1960) - Peter Boggs
- Dondi (1961) - Sergeant
- The Big Bankroll (1961) - Jim Kelly
- The McGonicle (1961, TV Movie) - Mac McGonicle
- Pocketful of Miracles (1961) - Junior
- How the West Was Won (1962) - Deputy Stover
- Mickey and the Contessa (1963, TV Movie) - Mickey Brennan
- A Global Affair (1964) - Police Officer Dugan
- A House Is Not a Home (1964) - Police Sergeant Riordan
- Never a Dull Moment (1968) - Francis
- St. Patrick's Day TV Special (1969, TV Movie)
- Vernon's Volunteers (1969, TV Movie)
- The Boatniks (1970) - Charlie
- Touched (1983) - Himself
- Primal Scream (1987) - Charlie Waxman
Partial television credits
- Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond (1960, Episode: "The Clown") - Pippo the Clown
- Maverick (1962, Episode: "Mr. Muldoon's Partner") - Mr. Muldoon
- The Virginian (1962, Episode: "Big Day, Great Day") - Muldoon (credited as Michael Shaughnessy)
- Going My Way (1963, Episode: "The Slasher") - Jim Bancroft
- Laredo (1965, Episode: "Pride of the Rangers") - Monahan
- The Legend of Jesse James (1966, Episode: "South Wind") - Ab Truxton
- Run for Your Life (1967, Episode: "Rendezvous in Tokyo") - Morgan
- The Chicago Teddy Bears (1971, three episodes) - Lefty
References
- "Mickey Shaughnessy, Known for Comic Irish Movie, TV Roles, Dies". Los Angeles Times. July 27, 1985.
- Peter W. Kaplan (January 26, 1985). "Mickey Shaughnessy Dead; Comedian and Movie Actor". The New York Times. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
External links
- Mickey Shaughnessy on IMDb
- Mickey Shaughnessy at the TCM Movie Database
- Mickey Shaughnessy at the Internet Broadway Database
- Mickey Shaughnessy at Find a Grave
- "My Memories of Mickey Shaughnessy" by Steve Murray