Harry Semels

Harry Semels (November 20, 1887 – March 2, 1946) was an American actor whose career spanned both Broadway and film. Born in 1887, Semels worked across stage and screen for nearly four decades, accumulating credits in theater during the early part of the twentieth century before transitioning to a prolific film career.

Semels appeared on Broadway between 1908 and 1912, taking part in productions that included the musical The Prima Donna, the musical All for the Ladies, and Two Women. These stage credits placed him among working performers in New York during a formative period of American theater.

His film career began in 1917 and extended through 1946, encompassing more than 315 screen appearances. Semels became a recognizable character actor, frequently cast in roles such as villains, waiters, lawyers, and soldiers. He appeared in a number of Three Stooges short films produced by Columbia Pictures, among them Disorder in the Court, Wee Wee Monsieur, and Three Little Sew and Sews. His feature film work included Road to Morocco, The Princess and the Pirate, and The Kid from Brooklyn.

Semels was Jewish and had two children, Ruth and David. His son David was killed in action during World War II.

Semels died of a heart attack on March 2, 1946, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 58.