Joe Ploski


Joseph Henry Ploski was a Polish-born American film and television actor. He was known for his appearance in the 1953 film Stalag 17, starring William Holden, Don Taylor, and Otto Preminger.

Life and career

Ploski was born in Poland. Initially working as a mess-hall cook in the United States Army during World War II, saving his money to attend at a drama school. He performed in vaudeville in Hollywood, California, and was a straight man for comedian Joe E. Lewis. He made his Broadway debut in 1932, appearing in the Broadway play The Great Magoo, playing Dummy Nolan. He worked in New York with Imogene Coca and Danny Kaye.
Ploski began his screen career in 1936, appearing in the film Lady Be Careful. He then appeared in the films There Goes My Heart and Romance in the Dark. Over the years, he appeared in over 200 films including Dr. Broadway, The Dark Corner, The Reckless Moment, and Experiment Alcatraz, Guys and Dolls, The Court Jester, The Buster Keaton Story, Jailhouse Rock, Never Steal Anything Small, The Rat Race, To Kill a Mockingbird, Seven Days in May and Divorce American Style. He also appeared in numerous television programs including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Tales of Wells Fargo, Wagon Train, The Fugitive, 77 Sunset Strip, The Twilight Zone, and Perry Mason. His final credit was in the 1970 film Airport.

Death

Ploski died on May 17, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 89.

Selected filmography

  • Lady Be Careful as Chowoski
  • Stalag 17 as German Guard - Volleyball Player
  • Gunsmoke as Townsman
  • M Squad as News Vendor
  • Wagon Train
  • * as Wagon Train Member
  • * as Miner
  • * as Townsman
  • * as Wagon Train Member
  • * as Bartender
  • 77 Sunset Strip as Bartender
  • Perry Mason
  • * as Courtroom Spectator
  • * as Courtroom Spectator
  • * as Courtroom Spectator
  • * as Diner Proprietor
  • * as Courtroom Spectator
  • Li'l Abner as Hairless Joe
  • The Twilight Zone as Beauty Contest Guest
  • Tales of Wells Fargo
  • * as Townsman
  • * as Townsman
  • * as Barfly
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents
  • * as Meeting Guest
  • * as Show Spectator
  • The Alfred Hitchcock Hour as Townsman
  • The Fugitive
  • * as Customer in Locker Room
  • * as Diner Counterman
  • Bonanza
  • * as Townsman
  • * as Shopkeeper
  • McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force as Russian Seaman
  • Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine as Cook
  • Airport as Diner Patron