James Donlan
James Donlan was an American actor. Born in San Francisco, California, Donlan appeared in 107 films between 1929 and 1939. He was the father of actress Yolande Donlan.
In his early career Donlan was the actor-manager of a theatre company called The Permanent Players. While touring in Winnipeg, Canada he met singer Theresa Mollot who joined his company and moved to New York with him.
Donlan performed in several plays in New York City, including Home Again and The Lady Killer . He also worked in Silent movies, including with actor-writer J.C. Nugent.
By the time Donlan got his first part in Talking Pictures, in Big News, he had moved from New York to Hollywood, California with his wife Theresa and his child Yolande.
A character actor, Donlan played in scenes opposite several stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood including Mae West in Belle of the Nineties and Harold Lloyd in Professor Beware.
On June 7, 1938, Donlan died, aged 49, from a heart attack.
Selected filmography
Big News - DekeWise Girls - Ben WadeThe Bishop Murder Case - Ernest HeathBeau Bandit - Buck - Posse MemberThe Fall Guy - The Bill CollectorThe Sins of the Children - Bide TaylorNight Work - Mr. McEvoy Danger Lights - Picnic Barker Remote Control - BlodgettMothers Cry - City Editor The Painted Desert - Steve - Ore Wagon #2 Shotgun Rider Dance, Fools, Dance - Clinton The Front Page - Reporter Daybreak - Drunk Inviting Laura to Dance The Good Bad Girl - Police Sgt. DonovanA Free Soul - Reporter Sporting Blood - Jim, a Trainer Five Star Final - Reporter in Speakeasy Men of Chance - ClarkThe Final Edition - FreddieAre You Listening? - Butch Huddle - Heckler at Game Is My Face Red? - Reporter Crooner - Non-Fan with Radio Back Street - ProfheroThirteen Women - Mike - the Detective Air Mail - Passenger Passing Out Cigars Madison Square Garden - Sports Reporter The Conquerors - Joe - Stockbroker The Death Kiss - Max Hill The Penguin Pool Murder - FinkThe Half-Naked Truth - Lou - Press Agent They Just Had to Get Married - Clark20,000 Years in Sing Sing - Reporter #1 What! No Beer? - Al Mystery of the Wax Museum - Morgue Attendant Grand Slam - Reporter with False Reno News Central Airport - Havana Driver The Working Man - Hartland Co. Man Hell Below - Seaman Muller The Nuisance - Photographer The Life of Jimmy Dolan - Man Offering Jimmy a Drink Heroes for Sale - Laundry Cashier The Mayor of Hell - Sam College Humor - Marcus LafflinI Love That Man - Reporter Pilgrimage - Barber The Avenger - DurantDoctor Bull - Harry Weems - Supporter #3 for Dr. Bull I Loved a Woman - Voting Returns Announcer Only Yesterday - College Coach - Reporter From Headquarters - Relaxing Reporter Design for Living - Fat Man with Ring Hi Nellie! - Evans Dark Hazard - Man Advising Jim at Dog Track I've Got Your Number - Mr. Talley Gambling Lady - Joe - Syndicate Lawyer A Very Honorable Guy - Mr. O'TooleNow I'll Tell - Honey SmithMidnight Alibi - Marty - the Bail Bondsman Paris Interlude - Jones - Times Reporter The Cat's-Paw - Red - the ReporterBelle of the Nineties - KirbyWake Up and Dream - Jim Babbitt - Maxwell, Reisling's Attorney The Man Who Reclaimed His Head - Danglas - Man in Theatre Box Romance in Manhattan - Mr. Harris - Cab Manager Under Pressure - CorkyThe Whole Town's Talking - Detective Sergeant HoweLife Begins at 40 - Farmer Traveling Saleslady - Andy McNeillThe Case of the Curious Bride - Detective FritzGo Into Your Dance - Mr. A.J. Squires In Caliente - Swanson The Girl from 10th Avenue - First Detective The Murder Man - Bartender #2 The Daring Young Man - Captain of the Prison Guard Hot Tip - Bill - Racetrack Bettor Here Comes the Band - Joe Redheads on Parade - Minor Role Dr. Socrates - Salesman in Car Thanks a Million - Diner Counterman Ah, Wilderness! - Salesman in Bar We're Only Human - Detective Casey Exclusive Story - Managing Editor Boulder Dam - Nightclub Manager Murder on a Bridle Path - Detective KaneThe Ex-Mrs. Bradford - Taxi Driver The Crime of Dr. Forbes - Coroner Crash Donovan - SmokeyThe Plot Thickens - JimA Family Affair - 'Daily Star' Reporter Oh, Doctor - Mr. Stoddard This Is My Affair - ReporterHotel Haywire - Swanlee It Happened in Hollywood - ShortyMusic for Madame - Suspect with Cold Borrowing Trouble - Casey Everybody Sing - Stage Doorman Test Pilot - Photographer Professor Beware - Reporter at Museum The Crowd Roars - Announcer at Smoker Babes in Arms - Fred