Andrew Tombes

Andrew Tombes (June 29, 1885 – March 17, 1976) was an American comedian and character actor whose career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, and film. Born in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of a grocer, he received his education at Phillips Exeter Academy.

Before reaching Broadway, Tombes built his foundation in vaudeville as a comic performer. By December 1914, he had appeared in the headlining act for the opening of the Kansas City Orpheum Theatre, marking an early milestone in his rise through the entertainment industry.

Tombes made his Broadway debut in 1917 in the revue Miss 1917, launching a stage career that would continue through 1934. He maintained a consistent presence on Broadway throughout the 1920s, with credits including Poor Little Ritz Girl in 1920, the Ziegfeld Follies of 1922 and 1927, and Tip-Toes in 1925. His later Broadway work included the musicals Ripples, Tell Her the Truth, Music Hath Charms, and All the King's Horses, as well as the production Facing the Music.

Tombes transitioned to film in 1933, already nearing the age of 50. Despite his late entry into the medium, he went on to appear in approximately 150 films for various studios, establishing himself as a prolific screen presence in addition to his stage work.