From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Max Wagner (November 28, 1901 – November 16, 1975) was a Mexican-born American film actor who specialized in playing small parts such as thugs, gangsters, sailors, henchmen, bodyguards, cab drivers and moving men, appearing more than 400 films in his career, most without receiving screen credit. Newspaper gossip columnists noted his rise from playing "Gangster #4", with no lines, and not carrying a gun, to "Gangster #2", with both lines and a gun.
Wagner was one of five children, all boys, of William Wallace Wagner, a railroad conductor, and Edith Wagner, a writer who provided dispatches for the Christian Science Monitor during the Mexican Revolution. When he was 10 years old, his father was killed by rebels and the family moved to Salinas, California, where he met John Steinbeck, who became a lifelong friend. Steinback based the character of the boy in his novel The Red Pony on Wagner.
Under the name "Max Baron", Wagner acted in many Spanish-language versions of English-language films, which studios made as a matter of course in the early days of sound films, He also served as a Spanish language coach for other actors, and appeared in many of the "Mexican Spitfire" films starring Lupe Vélez, where he also served to monitor Velez's Spanish ad-libs for profanity.
Other series that Wagner appeared in include the Charlie Chan films, and Tom Mix serials, as well as others made by Mascot Pictures Corporation. In the 1940s, Wagner was part of Preston Sturges' unofficial "stock company" of character actors, appearing in six films written and directed by Sturges, beginning with The Palm Beach Story
In 1940 during the filming of "The Mad Doctor", Wagner was credited for driving 50,000 miles as an on-screen taxi driver on the studio back lots of Hollywood. Since his appearance as a cab driver in Charlie Chan in Shanghai (1935), producers often cast him as a wise-cracking or henchman taxi driver. "I was cast as a taxi driver about five years ago", Wagner told a reporter. "And I was typed."
In 1952, Wagner began to appear on television, in episodes of such shows as The Cisco Kid, Zane Grey Theater and Perry Mason, playing much the same kind of parts he played in the movies.
He was a regular cast member on the western television series Gunsmoke, making nearly 80 appearances between 1959 and 1973. He also appeared in many episodes of The Rifleman, Bonanza, Cimarron Strip, The Wild Wild West and Maverick, including a guest-starring role in the 1959 Rifleman episode "Blood Brother." He also had roles in the original Star Trek and The Twilight Zone series. He appeared in more than 200 television episodes between 1952 and 1974.
Notable film roles for Wagner include a supporting role in the cult science fiction classic Invaders from Mars (1953), an actor playing a gangster in the film-within-a-film segment of Bullets or Ballots (1936), and the bull farm attendant in the Laurel and Hardy comedy The Bullfighters (1945).
Late in his career, he appeared in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). He also occasionally composed music, such as the Mexican folk ballad "Pedro, Rudarte y Simon" in the Western film The Last Trail (1933).
Wagner died of a heart attack in Hollywood in 1975.
External links
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/nm0906022
Wikipedia: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6795343
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Filmography (Movies)
Young Frankenstein
Character:Villager (uncredited)
Release Date:15/12/1974
Terror in the Wax Museum
Character:Music Hall Drunk (Uncredited)
Release Date:02/05/1973
Evil Roy Slade
Character:Townsman (uncredited)
Release Date:18/02/1972
Support Your Local Gunfighter
Character:Townsman Watching Fight (uncredited)
Release Date:26/05/1971
The Over-the-Hill Gang Rides Again
Character:Barfly (uncredited)
Release Date:16/11/1970
True Grit
Character:Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
Release Date:11/06/1969
The Legend of Lylah Clare
Character:Reporter (uncredited)
Release Date:21/08/1968
Rosemary's Baby
Character:Man in Dream Sequence (uncredited)
Release Date:12/06/1968
Hang 'em High
Character:Prisoner
Release Date:12/04/1968
Return of the Gunfighter
Character:Barfly (uncredited)
Release Date:25/03/1967
A Big Hand for the Little Lady
Character:Cashier (uncredited)
Release Date:08/06/1966
Gunpoint
Character:
Release Date:25/04/1966
The Great Race
Character:Barfly (uncredited)
Release Date:01/07/1965
Shenandoah
Character:Church Member
Release Date:03/06/1965
4 for Texas
Character:Blackjack Dealer
Release Date:21/12/1963
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Character:Spectator (uncredited)
Release Date:07/11/1963
To Kill a Mockingbird
Character:Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
Release Date:20/12/1962
Pressure Point
Character:
Release Date:10/10/1962
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Character:Townsman (uncredited)
Release Date:13/04/1962
Sunrise at Campobello
Character:Convention Delegate (uncredited)
Release Date:28/09/1960
Ice Palace
Character:Party Guest (uncredited)
Release Date:02/01/1960
Public Pigeon No. 1
Character:Police Detective (uncredited)
Release Date:17/05/1957
The Spirit of St. Louis
Character:Reporter (uncredited)
Release Date:01/04/1957
Robbery Under Arms
Character:Sergeant Goring
Release Date:10/01/1957
The Conqueror
Character:Mongul Guard (uncredited)
Release Date:28/03/1956
I Died a Thousand Times
Character:Deputy Charlie (uncredited)
Release Date:09/11/1955
Illegal
Character:Bartender (uncredited)
Release Date:09/10/1955
East of Eden
Character:Workman (uncredited)
Release Date:10/04/1955
The Country Girl
Character:Expressman (uncredited)
Release Date:15/12/1954
The Great Diamond Robbery
Character:Policeman (uncredited)
Release Date:29/01/1954
Donovan's Brain
Character:Station Agent (uncredited)
Release Date:30/09/1953
Invaders from Mars
Character:Army Sgt. Rinaldi
Release Date:09/04/1953
Flaming Feather
Character:
Release Date:01/02/1952
The Racket
Character:Durko (uncredited)
Release Date:25/10/1951
The Secret of Convict Lake
Character:Jack Purcell (uncredited)
Release Date:29/07/1951
Pier 23
Character:Bar Patron (uncredited)
Release Date:11/05/1951
Frenchie
Character:Drunk (uncredited)
Release Date:25/12/1950
Reign of Terror
Character:Citizen (uncredited)
Release Date:15/10/1949
It Happens Every Spring
Character:Umpire (uncredited)
Release Date:10/06/1949
The Red Pony
Character:Bartender
Release Date:08/03/1949
Caught
Character:Projectionist (uncredited)
Release Date:17/02/1949
Flaxy Martin
Character:Charles McMahon
Release Date:15/02/1949
Shed No Tears
Character:Second Investigating Detective (Uncredited)
Release Date:09/06/1948
The Sainted Sisters
Character:Townsman (uncredited)
Release Date:30/04/1948
The Miracle of the Bells
Character:Baggage Man
Release Date:27/03/1948
Half Past Midnight
Character:Mike
Release Date:01/03/1948
Tycoon
Character:
Release Date:27/12/1947
Possessed
Character:Man in Café (uncredited)
Release Date:29/05/1947
Sinbad the Sailor
Character:Assistant Overseer (uncredited)
Release Date:13/01/1947
That Brennan Girl
Character:Moving Man (uncredited)
Release Date:23/12/1946
It's a Wonderful Life
Character:Cashier / Nick's Assistant Bouncer (uncredited)
Release Date:20/12/1946
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball
Character:Bartender (uncredited)
Release Date:22/11/1946
The Truth About Murder
Character:Henchman Mike (uncredited)
Release Date:01/04/1946
The Lost Weekend
Character:Mike (uncredited)
Release Date:29/11/1945
Fallen Angel
Character:Bartender (uncredited)
Release Date:15/11/1945
Radio Stars on Parade
Character:George
Release Date:01/08/1945
Circumstantial Evidence
Character:Truck Driver
Release Date:20/04/1945
A Medal for Benny
Character:Jake (uncredited)
Release Date:16/04/1945
Hi, Beautiful
Character:Sailor (uncredited)
Release Date:18/12/1944
The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek
Character:Military Police Driver (uncredited)
Release Date:18/09/1944
Boss of Boomtown
Character:Sergeant George Dunne
Release Date:20/05/1944
Undercover: How to Operate Behind Enemy Lines
Character:Rudy the Sailor
Release Date:01/01/1943
A Night to Remember
Character:Policeman Temple (uncredited)
Release Date:10/12/1942
Panama Hattie
Character:Jailer (uncredited)
Release Date:30/09/1942
Overland to Deadwood
Character:Buck
Release Date:25/09/1942
Mexican Spitfire's Elephant
Character:Villa Luigi Headwaiter
Release Date:17/09/1942
The Palm Beach Story
Character:Tom's Best Man (uncredited)
Release Date:28/08/1942
Sabotage Squad
Character:Recruiting Sergeant
Release Date:27/08/1942
The Talk of the Town
Character:Moving Man (uncredited)
Release Date:20/08/1942
Matri-Phony
Character:Guard (uncredited)
Release Date:02/07/1942
The Spoilers
Character:Deputy (uncredited)
Release Date:11/06/1942
Come on Danger
Character:Tough Guy
Release Date:05/06/1942
Moontide
Character:Fisherman (uncredited)
Release Date:29/05/1942
The Wife Takes a Flyer
Character:Sergeant
Release Date:28/04/1942
Obliging Young Lady
Character:Jack - Diner Counterman (uncredited)
Release Date:01/04/1942
The Mexican Spitfire's Baby
Character:Bartender
Release Date:28/11/1941
Texas
Character:Fats Delaney
Release Date:09/10/1941
Cyclone on Horseback
Character:Jamison
Release Date:13/06/1941
Ride on Vaquero
Character:Partner
Release Date:18/04/1941
The Mad Doctor
Character:Cab Driver (Uncredited)
Release Date:20/12/1940
Trail of the Vigilantes
Character:Joe
Release Date:13/12/1940
The Bank Dick
Character:Shirtless Ditchdigger (uncredited)
Release Date:29/11/1940
Hired Wife
Character:Streetcar Conductor
Release Date:13/09/1940
Men Against the Sky
Character:Max - Radioman
Release Date:06/09/1940
Rhythm on the River
Character:Cherry's Cabbie
Release Date:28/08/1940
Wildcat Bus
Character:Bus Driver Jackson (uncredited)
Release Date:23/08/1940
Lucky Partners
Character:Waiter (uncredited)
Release Date:02/08/1940
They Drive by Night
Character:Sweeney, Driver (uncredited)
Release Date:26/07/1940
The Ghost Breakers
Character:Ship Porter (uncredited)
Release Date:21/06/1940
Pop Always Pays
Character:Bill - Policeman in Car 43
Release Date:21/06/1940
Buck Benny Rides Again
Character:Cowboy
Release Date:31/05/1940
You Can't Fool Your Wife
Character:Burglar
Release Date:21/05/1940
The Grapes of Wrath
Character:Guard (uncredited)
Release Date:15/03/1940
Millionaire Playboy
Character:Highway Patrol Officer
Release Date:14/03/1940
The House Across the Bay
Character:Jim
Release Date:01/03/1940
Charlie Chan in Panama
Character:Soldier
Release Date:01/03/1940
Mexican Spitfire
Character:Headwaiter - Mexican Pete's
Release Date:12/01/1940
The Man Who Wouldn't Talk
Character:Truck Driver
Release Date:11/01/1940
Reno
Character:Police Lt. Joe Wilson
Release Date:01/12/1939
The Roaring Twenties
Character:Gangster (uncredited)
Release Date:28/10/1939
Fifth Avenue Girl
Character:Policeman (uncredited)
Release Date:22/09/1939
The Day the Bookies Wept
Character:Bet Placing Taxi Driver (uncredited)
Release Date:13/09/1939
Our Leading Citizen
Character:Workman
Release Date:23/08/1939
The Gracie Allen Murder Case
Character:Thug
Release Date:02/06/1939
The Girl from Mexico
Character:Headwaiter
Release Date:01/06/1939
The Return of the Cisco Kid
Character:Brings in Rustler
Release Date:28/04/1939
Mr. Moto in Danger Island
Character:Sailor at Wrestling Match
Release Date:07/04/1939
Money to Loan
Character:Hanley's Strong-Arm Man
Release Date:11/03/1939
I'll Tell the World
Character:Salesman
Release Date:09/03/1939
Cafe Society
Character:Guest
Release Date:03/03/1939
Fast and Loose
Character:Nolan's Henchman (uncredited)
Release Date:17/02/1939
Wings of the Navy
Character:Boss Mechanic
Release Date:11/02/1939
Off the Record
Character:Visitor (uncredited)
Release Date:21/01/1939
Scouts to the Rescue
Character:Joe - Truck Driver-Henchman
Release Date:17/01/1939
Little Tough Guys in Society
Character:Guest
Release Date:01/11/1938
Tarnished Angel
Character:Tough Casino Decoy
Release Date:28/10/1938
The Arkansas Traveler
Character:Hobo
Release Date:14/10/1938
Painted Desert
Character:Henchman Kincaid
Release Date:12/08/1938
Professor Beware
Character:Chinatown Barker
Release Date:29/07/1938
Cocoanut Grove
Character:Brakeman
Release Date:20/05/1938
Maid's Night Out
Character:Sam Johnson - Milk Man (uncredited)
Release Date:03/03/1938
Penrod and His Twin Brother
Character:Blackie
Release Date:26/02/1938
Born to Be Wild
Character:Jake - Trucker in Cafe (uncredited)
Release Date:16/02/1938
Many Unhappy Returns
Character:Ernie - Counter Girl's Boyfriend
Release Date:14/10/1937
Alcatraz Island
Character:Party Guest (uncredited)
Release Date:13/10/1937
Stage Door
Character:Baggage Man (uncredited)
Release Date:08/10/1937
Step Lively, Jeeves!
Character:Joey
Release Date:30/06/1937
Border Cafe
Character:Shakey
Release Date:04/06/1937
San Quentin
Character:Prison Runner
Release Date:24/05/1937
Wings Over Honolulu
Character:Marine
Release Date:16/05/1937
The Great O'Malley
Character:School Bus Driver (uncredited)
Release Date:13/02/1937
Black Legion
Character:Truck Driver in Diner (uncredited)
Release Date:30/01/1937
You Only Live Once
Character:Dan - Corridor Guard (uncredited)
Release Date:23/01/1937
God's Country and the Woman
Character:Gus
Release Date:16/01/1937
We Who Are About to Die
Character:Cell Block E Convict (uncredited)
Release Date:08/01/1937
Smart Blonde
Character:Chuck Cannon
Release Date:02/01/1937
Night Waitress
Character:Diner Trying to Date Helen
Release Date:18/12/1936
The Big Game
Character:Man Outside Hotel
Release Date:09/10/1936
The Girl on the Front Page
Character:Fireman
Release Date:26/09/1936
Walking on Air
Character:Sam, Second Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)
Release Date:11/09/1936
Love Begins at Twenty
Character:Lester - O'Bannion's Driver
Release Date:22/08/1936
Bullets or Ballots
Character:Actor Impersonating Kruger in Newsreel (uncredited)
Release Date:06/06/1936
Dancing Pirate
Character:Pirate (uncredited)
Release Date:22/05/1936
Sons o' Guns
Character:Soldier
Release Date:13/05/1936
The Crime Patrol
Character:Bennie
Release Date:12/05/1936
The Girl from Mandalay
Character:Drunken Brawler
Release Date:19/04/1936
Two in Revolt
Character:Davis
Release Date:03/04/1936
The House of a Thousand Candles
Character:Henchman
Release Date:02/04/1936
Love on a Bet
Character:Reporter
Release Date:06/03/1936
Paddy O'Day
Character:Milkman's Helper on Dock
Release Date:17/01/1936
Chatterbox
Character:Himself (uncredited)
Release Date:17/01/1936
The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
Character:Pug O'Leary
Release Date:13/01/1936
The Fighting Marines
Character:Gibson
Release Date:22/11/1935
Mary Burns, Fugitive
Character:Sailor
Release Date:15/11/1935
3 Kids and a Queen
Character:Reporter
Release Date:21/10/1935
Dr. Socrates
Character:Gangster
Release Date:19/10/1935
Charlie Chan in Shanghai
Character:Taxi Driver Henchman
Release Date:11/10/1935
The Daring Young Man
Character:Reporter
Release Date:17/07/1935
The Miracle Rider
Character:Morley
Release Date:11/04/1935
The Oil Raider
Character:Simmons
Release Date:01/11/1934
Gridiron Flash
Character:Convict Football Player
Release Date:06/10/1934
She Had to Choose
Character:Hold-Up Man
Release Date:01/10/1934
Name the Woman
Character:Reporter
Release Date:25/07/1934
Blind Date
Character:Evans - Bob's Chauffeur
Release Date:20/07/1934
The Lost Jungle
Character:Slade
Release Date:13/06/1934
The Personality Kid
Character:Max
Release Date:06/06/1934
Hell Bent for Love
Character:Ernest Dallas
Release Date:19/05/1934
The Lost Jungle
Character:Slade
Release Date:22/03/1934
Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen
Character:Grip
Release Date:12/01/1934
Before Dawn
Character:Policeman in Car (uncredited)
Release Date:04/08/1933
Arizona to Broadway
Character:Pete
Release Date:22/07/1933
Renegades of the West
Character:Bob
Release Date:25/11/1932
Rockabye
Character:Reporter (uncredited)
Release Date:25/11/1932
The World and the Flesh
Character:Vorobiov
Release Date:22/04/1932
Cock of the Air
Character:Military Policeman
Release Date:23/01/1932
Suicide Fleet
Character:Radio Operator (uncredited)
Release Date:20/11/1931
The Good Bad Girl
Character:Thug
Release Date:20/05/1931
Going Wild
Character:Ferguson - Pilot
Release Date:21/12/1930
The Last of the Vargas
Character:
Release Date:03/10/1930
Numbered Men
Character:Convict Road Laborer (extra)
Release Date:07/06/1930
The Thrill Seekers
Character:A Hood
Release Date:01/09/1927
The First Auto
Character:Bartender
Release Date:27/06/1927
Flashing Oars
Character:Student
Release Date:28/02/1927
The Relay
Character:Sophomore
Release Date:30/01/1927
Making Good
Character:Student
Release Date:06/12/1926
Television Appearances
Images
