Irving Lewis Bacon Paintings

Irving Lewis Bacon, not to be mistaken with the modern painter Francis Bacon, was an American character actor who appeared in almost 500 films during his long career. Born on September 6, 1893, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Bacon was often cast in the role of a clerk, a salesman, or a policeman. His everyman appearance and versatility allowed him to seamlessly fit into various genres, including comedies, dramas, and westerns.

Bacon began his acting career in the silent film era and smoothly transitioned into talkies. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he became a familiar face in Hollywood, although he seldom had leading roles. His ability to provide solid support and comic relief made him a valuable addition to any film. Some of his notable films include 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) where he played a building and loan customer, 'Blondie' (1938), where he had a recurring role, and 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' (1939).

Despite the secondary nature of his roles, Bacon appeared alongside some of the era's biggest stars, such as James Stewart, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart. He was known for his reliability and professionalism on set, which kept him in steady work for several decades. Irving Lewis Bacon continued to act until the early 1960s, reflecting the vast changes the film industry underwent from the silent era through the golden age of Hollywood.

He passed away on February 5, 1965, in Hollywood, California. Although he never achieved the fame of Hollywood's leading men, Bacon left behind an extensive body of work that serves as a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft of acting. His contributions to the film industry are often celebrated by cinema enthusiasts and historians who recognize the importance of character actors in shaping Hollywood's classic films.