Ralph Sanford

Ralph Dayton Sanford (May 21, 1899 – June 20, 1963) was an American actor whose career spanned Broadway, film, and television. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he went on to accumulate credits across multiple decades and performance mediums before his death in Los Angeles, California on June 20, 1963. His body was returned to Springfield for burial.

Sanford launched his professional career in 1924 as the dancing partner of Ray Bolger. His Broadway work extended from 1927 to 1934, encompassing productions in both dramatic and musical forms. His stage credits included the musical Ballyhoo of 1932, the musicals Hey Nonny Nonny! and Saluta, and the plays Child of Manhattan, The Constant Sinner, The Great Man, They Shall Not Die, Twenty-five Dollars an Hour, and Between Two Worlds. Earlier stage appearances included Mendel, Inc. in 1929 and Half a Widow in 1927. In 1928, Sanford relocated to California, and by 1933 he had earned his first film credit.

Over the course of his screen career, Sanford appeared in more than 180 films and in at least 200 television episodes between 1930 and 1960, frequently in bit parts and supporting roles. He was a recurring presence in Westerns and was regularly cast as tough-guy characters. Television work began for Sanford in 1951, and he became particularly associated with The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, in which he appeared in 21 episodes. Sixteen of those appearances were as Mayor Jim Kelly during the 1958–1959 season. Prior to his entertainment career, Sanford had served in the infantry during World War I.