Emile Meyer

Emile Meyer (August 18, 1910 – March 19, 1987) was an American actor (born in New Orleans) usually known for tough, aggressive, authoritative characters in Hollywood films from the 1950s era, mostly in westerns or thrillers.

Meyer had an uncredited small speaking role as a sea captain in Panic in the Streets (1950) after Elia Kazan discovered him in a theatrical production in New Orleans. Meyer provided such noteworthy performances as Rufus Ryker the cattle baron who makes a strong case for the open range in Shane (1953), as the belligerent Mr Halloran in The Blackboard Jungle (1955), cast against type by Stanley Kubrick as Father Dupree in Paths of Glory (1957) and the corrupt cop Harry Kello who intends to 'chastise' Tony Curtis in Sweet Smell of Success (1957). He appeared in an episode of the 1961 series The Asphalt Jungle.

He also appeared on television, including a guest spot on John Payne's The Restless Gun and as a truculently stubborn juror opposite James Garner in the 1957 Maverick episode "Rope of Cards." His guest appearance on the "Restless Gun" episode "Man and Boy" in 1957 included filming on the Iverson Movie Ranch in Chatsworth, Calif..

His final film role was in The Legend of Frank Woods (1977).

Death

On March 19, 1987, Meyer died in North Shore Regional Medical Center. He was 76 and had suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

Partial filmography