Frank Fenton (actor)
Frank Fenton Moran, known as Frank Fenton, was an American stage, film and television actor.
Early years
Fenton graduated from Georgetown University, where he lettered as a tackle on the school's football team. He also was active in Georgetown's undergraduate dramatic club, for which he directed and wrote plays.
Career
Fenton started his career on stage in New York, acting on Broadway in An American Tragedy billed as Frank Moran. As Frank Fenton, he starred in the Broadway versions of Susan and God with Gertrude Lawrence and as George Kittredge in The Philadelphia Story alongside Katharine Hepburn. His other Broadway credits include Stork Mad, O Evening Star, Dead End, and The O'Flynn. He also appeared on stage in London, and toured with Katherine Cornell in Romeo & Juliet and other plays.
Fenton's film debut came in The Navy Comes Through. After moving to Hollywood for Barbara Stanwyck's Lady of Burlesque, the Hartford, Connecticut native appeared in more than 80 movies and television programs. Although the majority of his motion picture career was spent in supporting roles, he starred alongside John Carradine in Isle of Forgotten Sins, which was re-issued as Monsoon.
Fenton was married from 1934 to 1948 to the former Aqueena Bilotti, daughter of sculptor Salvadore Bilotti. The couple had two daughters, Alicia and Honoree. They divorced in 1948.
He is often confused—in print and online—with screenwriter and novelist Frank Fenton. The actor dropped his last name early in his career to avoid confusion with other well-known Morans in New York City, including prizefighter Frank Moran, drama reporter Frank Moran, and George Moran of the popular comedy team Moran and Mack.
Death
Fenton died at UCLA Medical Center on July 24, 1957, at age 51. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
Partial filmography
The Navy Comes Through - HodumClaudia - Hartley Aerial Gunner - Colonel - HAGS CO Lady of Burlesque - Russell RogersIsle of Forgotten Sins - Jack BurkeA Scream in the Dark - Sam 'Benny' LackeyMinesweeper - Lt. Ralph GilpinHi, Good Lookin'! - Gib DicksonRosie the Riveter - Wayne CalhounBuffalo Bill - Murdo CarvellSecret Command - SimmsThe Big Noise - CharltonDestiny - Sam BakerThis Man's Navy - Captain GrantHold That Blonde - Mr. PhillipsClub Havana - Detective Lieutenant Getting Gertie's Garter - Winters The French Key - Horatio VedderBig Town - Fletcher Swamp Fire - Capt. Pete DaileyIf I'm Lucky - Marc Dwyer, Political Boss It's a Wonderful Life - Violet's Boyfriend Hit Parade of 1947 - Mr. BonardiThe Adventures of Don Coyote - Big Foot FergusonPhilo Vance's Secret Mission - Paul MorganMagic Town - BirchRelentless - Jim RuppleHazard - Utah Sheriff Bob WaybillA Foreign Affair - Major MathewsBodyguard - Lt. BordenRenegades of Sonora - Sheriff Jim CrawfordMexican Hayride - Gus AdamsonRustlers - Brad CarewThe Clay Pigeon - Lt. Cmdr. PrenticeJoe Palooka in the Big Fight - DetectiveThe Doolins of Oklahoma - Red BuckRanger of Cherokee Strip - McKinnonThe Golden Stallion - Oro City SheriffPort of New York - G.W. Wyley The Lawless - Mr. PrentissSideshow - MansonTrigger, Jr. - SheriffA Modern Marriage - Mr. BrownStreets of Ghost Town - Bart SelbyThree Secrets - Sheriff Neil MacDonald Wyoming Mail - GilsonTripoli - Capt. AdamsDouble Deal - Pete Prairie Roundup - Buck PrescottRogue River - Joe DandridgeTexans Never Cry - Captain Weldon Silver City - Creede The Legend of the Lone Ranger - Ranger Captain Man in the Dark - Detective Driver Raiders of the Seven Seas - Salcedo's Officer Island in the Sky - Capt. TurnerVicki - Eric Gun Fury - Chuck - First Poker Player The Nebraskan - Army Captain Fury at Gunsight Pass - Sheriff MeekerThe Naked Hills - HaroldCha-Cha-Cha Boom! - Head of Board of Directors Emergency Hospital - Edward Northrup Gun the Man Down - Sheriff Leading Posse Hell Bound - Harry Quantro