Harry Holman

Harry James Holman (March 15, 1862 – May 3, 1947) was an American actor whose career spanned stage, vaudeville, and film across several decades. Born in Conway, Missouri, Holman left school in the ninth grade and pursued work as a performer from an early age.

Holman appeared on Broadway between 1903 and 1906, taking on two notable roles during that period. In The County Chairman (1903), he portrayed Wilson Prewitt, and in Ruled Off the Turf (1906), he played Caesar Augustus Miggs.

Beyond the stage, Holman built a substantial presence in vaudeville, leading the Harry Holman Comedy Company, which performed skits including "The Merchant Price." He became nationally known through his "Hard-Boiled Hampton" comedy sketch before departing vaudeville in either 1929 or 1932.

Holman transitioned into film work, appearing in approximately 130 productions between 1923 and 1947. He became recognized for playing mayors, justices of the peace, attorneys, millionaires, and sugar daddies across a wide range of pictures. Among his most recognized screen appearances was his role as Professor Richmond in the 1935 Three Stooges short Hoi Polloi, in which his character attempts to transform the Stooges into gentlemen. He also appeared in several films directed by Frank Capra, including Meet John Doe (1941), in which he played the mayor, and It's a Wonderful Life (1946), in which he portrayed the high school teacher Mr. Partridge.

Holman died of a heart attack in Hollywood, California, on May 3, 1947.