CHARLEY GRAPEWIN
CHARLEY GRAPEWIN
20 December 1869 – 2 February 1956
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Charley Grapewin was an American circus performer, writer, and actor. He appeared in over 100 movies but is best known for playing Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Born in Xenia, Ohio, US, he ran away from home to join the circus, which led to his interest in acting. He travelled all over the world with P. T. Barnum. He worked in silent movies and went to work in talkies.
Grapewin appeared in the original Broadway production of the Wizard of Oz (1903), 36 years before the film was made. He had worked with Judy Garland previously before they both appeared in the Wizard of Oz.
He married actress Anna Chance in 1896 and were still together when she passed away in 1943. He later remarried in 1945 to Loretta McGowan Becker which ended in divorce in 1950.
Grapewin died aged 86 in 1956 at his home in Corona, California.
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