Hal K. Dawson

Hal K. Dawson (October 17, 1896 – February 17, 1987) was an American actor whose career spanned Broadway and film across several decades. Born in the late nineteenth century, Dawson built a professional record that encompassed stage work in New York as well as an extensive list of screen appearances.

Dawson's Broadway career ran from 1928 to 1944 and included appearances in a range of dramatic productions. His stage credits included the plays Machinal, Torch Song, Bedfellows, Another Language, and Dodsworth, among other productions during that period.

His film work began in the early sound era and continued for nearly four decades. He appeared in the 1933 film adaptation of Another Language as Walter, a role connected to his stage experience. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Dawson accumulated a substantial number of screen credits, appearing in productions such as Libeled Lady (1936) as Harvey Allen, Cafe Metropole (1937) as Arthur Cleveland Thorndyke, Sweethearts (1938) as Morty the stage manager, and The Great Victor Herbert (1939) as George Faller. He also appeared in Song of the Islands (1942) as John Rodney and Hi Diddle Diddle (1943) as Dr. Agnew.

His film appearances continued into the 1950s and beyond, with roles in Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) as Harry Selby, Superman and the Mole Men (1951) as Chuck Weber, The Benny Goodman Story (1956) as McHenshey, The Tin Star (1957) as Andy Miller, and The Touch of Satan (1971) as Mr. Gentry.

Dawson died on February 17, 1987, in Loma Linda, California, at the age of 90. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.