Bernard Punsly
Bernard Punsly (July 11, 1923 – January 20, 2004) was an American actor[1] who later left show business to become a physician.
Bernard Punsly | |
|---|---|
 Punsly in trailer to "Little Tough Guy" (1938) | |
| Born | July 11, 1923 |
| Died | January 20, 2004 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1937–1943 |
His last name was often spelled incorrectly in film credits as Punsley.
Early life and acting career
Punsly was born on July 11, 1923 in New York City. In 1935, He auditioned for a part in the play Dead End, because he thought it might be fun. The success of the play led to a number of its child actors being cast in a 1937 film adaptation, Dead End, including Punsly. Its success led to the group appearing in a series of "Dead End Kids" films. He later appeared in an offshoot group of thosefilms starring what were dubbed the "The Little Tough Guys". Punsly worked with well known stars such as Ronald Reagan, James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, John Garfield, and Humphrey Bogart in these films.
After acting
Even as an actor,Punsley was known to read medical books in his spare time. He joined the army after his last film, Mug Town, where he received medical training. Upon discharge Punsley entered the Medical College of the University of Georgia, subsequently obtaining his medical degree. He returned to California and set up a medical practice in Torrance, never returning to show business.
He became chief of staff in the South Bay Hospital in Redondo Beach, California.
Personal life
Punsly married a woman named Lynne[2] and had two children, Brian and Richard.
He died of cancer on January 20, 2004, at age 80, in a hospital in Torrance, California.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | Dead End | Milty | |
| 1938 | The Big Broadcast of 1938 | Caddy | Uncredited |
| 1938 | Crime School | Fats | |
| 1938 | Little Tough Guy | Ape | |
| 1938 | Angels with Dirty Faces | Hunky | |
| 1939 | They Made Me a Criminal | Milt | |
| 1939 | Hell's Kitchen | Patrick Henry 'Ouch' Rosenbloom | |
| 1939 | The Angels Wash Their Faces | Sleepy Arkelian | |
| 1939 | On Dress Parade | Dutch | |
| 1940 | You're Not So Tough | Ape | |
| 1940 | Junior G-Men | Lug | Serial |
| 1940 | Give Us Wings | Ape | |
| 1941 | Hit the Road | ||
| 1941 | Mob Town | ||
| 1941 | Sea Raiders | Butch | Serial |
| 1942 | Junior G-Men of the Air | 'Creaseball' Plunkett | Serial |
| 1942 | Tough as They Come | Ape | |
| 1942 | Junior Army | Bad Eye - Gang Member | Uncredited |
| 1943 | Mug Town | Ape | Final film[3] |
References
- Lentz, Harris M. III (2005). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2004: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Dance, Music, Cartoons and Pop Culture. McFarland. p. 288. ISBN 9780786421039. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
- Associated Press (24 January 2004). "Bernard Punsly, 80, Actor in Dead End Kids". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- "In Remembrance: Bernard Punsly". Film Buff Online. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
