William Halligan (actor)
William Kerry Halligan was an American stage and film actor, and writer.
Halligan was born on March 29, 1883, in Chicago, Illinois. He was active on the stage from 1904 to 1919. That year he made his film debut in The Wonder Man. He appeared as a supporting actor in numerous films; his last appearance was in If I'm Lucky in 1946. He also worked as a writer and "gagman" from 1928 to 1943. He died at the Motion Picture County House in Woodland Hills, California on January 28, 1957.
Filmography
Partial list of films featuring William Halligan:The Wonder Man - BubblesWaltzing Around Somewhere in Jersey Follow the Leader - Bob SterlingAt Your Service The Darling Brute Accidents will Happen Lady and Gent - Doc HayesStory Conference Earl of Puddlestone - Henry Potter-PotterYou Can't Fool Your Wife - J.R. Gillespie Sr.Emergency Landing - George B. LambertMurder Among Friends - James GeraldDouble Cross - MayorPaper Bullets - Police Chief FlynnBlonde Comet - Cannonball BlakeForeign Agent - Bob DavisBroadway Big Shot - Warden CollinsA Gentleman at Heart - HigginsHenry Aldrich, Editor - Norman KenlyRiders of the Deadline - banker Simon CrandallJive Junction - Mr. MaglodianHe's My Guy - ElwoodThe Black Hills Express - Marshal Harvey DormanThe Seventh Victim - Paul Radeaux The Great Mike - Doc ScottDick Tracy - MayorWithin These Walls - CollinsTill the Clouds Roll By - Cap'n AndyAnecdotes
Halligan enjoyed gambling, but unfortunately was noted for his inability to pick horses. One day at Santa Anita his friend, Nick the Greek, challenged him: "Bill, you're such a bad handicapper I'll bet you 100 to 1 that you can't pick a horse that will finish last." Halligan took the bet at $1000 to $10, and picked Paper Boy, an extreme longshot. Paper Boy won, and paid $64.On another occasion Nick told Halligan: "In gambling with a Southerner, never be afraid he pulls a pistol on you. It's when he pulls his fountain pen that you'd better duck."