Robert Kellard
Robert Kellard, aka Robert Stevens, was an American actor who appeared in over 60 films between 1937 and 1951.
Early years
Kellard was born Robert Dorsey Kellard April 23, 1915, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Ralph Kellard, was also an actor.
Robert Kellard graduated from Hollywood High School and attended Santa Monica Junior College for a year. His older brother, Thomas, acted in films briefly before going into a different career.
Career
Film
Kellard entered in Hollywood in 1937 in the film Annapolis Salute, directed by Christy Cabanne. After that, he bounced back and forth from starring roles in low-budget films like Island in the Sky, Time Out for Murder, While New York Sleeps, and supporting roles in Boy Friend and Here I Am a Stranger, until he found the time to make two serials for Republic Pictures.
Although third billed, Kellard was ostensibly the hero in Republic’s adaptation of Sax Rohmer’s Drums of Fu Manchu. He followed this by playing the sidekick of Allan 'Rocky' Lane in the Zane Grey comic strip based King of the Royal Mounted. Kellard then starred two serials for Columbia Pictures, Perils of the Royal Mounted and Tex Granger.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and returned to Columbia in 1946, accepting supporting roles in the films Gilda and The Jolson Story. He also displayed his comedic chops in several Three Stooges comedies, such as Rhythm and Weep, They Stooge to Conga and Squareheads of the Round Table. His best known role with the Stooges was that of the menacing pirate Black Louie in Three Little Pirates.
After Kellard signed a contract with Columbia Pictures in 1942, the studio changed his name to Robert Stevens.
Stage
On Broadway, Kellard performed in Mother Lode and Hitch Your Wagon.
Television
Kellard made his last appearance in a 1951 episode of ABC's Western television series, The Lone Ranger.
Personal life
Kellard's marriage to BeBe LaMonte ended in divorce in 1942. His nephews, Rick and Phil Kellard are both television writers and producers.
Death
Kellard died of post-obstructive pneumonia in the Wadsworth V.A. Medical center in Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 1981, at age 65.
Selected filmography
A Connecticut Yankee Annapolis Salute – CadetSecond Honeymoon – Reporter Nothing Sacred – Nightclub Patron Change of Heart – Artist Walking Down Broadway – Bob RandallIsland in the Sky – Peter VincentBattle of Broadway – Jack BundyJosette – ReporterGateway – Reporter My Lucky Star – PennellTime Out for Murder – Johnny MartinAlways in Trouble – Pete GrahamWhile New York Sleeps – Malcolm HuntWife, Husband and Friend – Bank Teller Boy Friend – Tommy BradleyStop, Look and Love – Dick GrantHere I Am a Stranger – College StudentDrums of Fu Manchu – Allan ParkerKing of the Royal Mounted – Tom Merritt, Jr.Phantom of Chinatown – Tommy DeanPrairie Pioneers – Roberto OrtegaDown in San Diego – Bell Captain Gentleman from Dixie – Lance TerrillEscort Girl – Drake HamiltonShadow of the Thin Man – Policeman Man from Headquarters – Hotel ClerkJoe Smith, American – Mel Lewis Hello, Annapolis – George CrandallSweetheart of the Fleet – Ens. George 'Tip' LandersPerils of the Royal Mounted – Sgt. Mack MacLane RCMPParachute Nurse – Minor Role My Sister Eileen – Bus Driver The Spirit of Stanford – Cliff BonnardSmith of Minnesota – George SmithBoston Blackie Goes Hollywood – Ticket Clerk Pardon My Gun – Henchman The Fighting Buckaroo – Fletch Thatcher Throw a Saddle on a Star – Burton Gilda – Man at Masquerade Night Editor – Doc CochraneThat Texas Jamboree – Henchman TomThe Return of Rusty – Sgt. Jack BealsThe Unknown – James WetherfordSing While You Dance – Buzz NelsonThe Jolson Story – Henry – Orchestra LeaderLone Star Moonlight – Eddie JacksonBlondie's Big Moment – Joe The Thirteenth Hour – Truck Driver The Lone Hand Texan – Boomer Kildea Millie's Daughter – Hotel Clerk Framed – Man in Coffee Shop The Millerson Case – Dr. PrescottThe Corpse Came C.O.D. – Reporter Roses Are Red – InterneTex Granger: Midnight Rider of the Plains – Tex Granger, The Night RiderThe Argyle Secrets – Melvin Rubin – CopCanon City – Officer Winston R. WilliamsBride of Vengeance – Guard Too Late for Tears – Policeman Red, Hot and Blue – Police Switchboard Operator