Jack Elam was born 13 November 1916 in Miami, Arizona. He is
best known as a colorful American character actor equally adept
at vicious killers or grizzled sidekicks. As a child he worked in
the cotton fields. He attended Santa Monica Junior College in
California and subsequently became an accountant and, at
one time, manager of the Bel Air Hotel. Jack got his first
movie job by trading his accounting services for a role. In
short time he became one of the most memorable
supporting players in Hollywood, thanks not only to his
wild-man screen persona but also to an out-of-kilter
left eye, sightless from a childhood fight. He appeared with
great aplomb in Westerns and gangster films alike, and in
later years played to wonderful effect in comedic roles.
Jack has been married to Margaret Jennison since 1961. He has
two daughters, Jeri Elam and Jacqueline Elam, and a son, Scott Elam.
Jack Elam now lives in Ashland, Oregon.
Filmography
1. Big Guns Talk: The Story of the Western (1997) (TV) ....
Interviewee: Actor
Notable TV guest appearances
1. "Home Improvement" (1991) playing "Hick Peterson" in
episode: "Birds of a Feather Flock to Taylor" (episode # 1.20)
3/3/1992