Charles Coburn

American film, theater actor

Born: June 19, 1877 · Died: August 30, 1961

Famous Persons

Who was Charles Coburn?

Charles Douville Coburn (June 19, 1877 – August 30, 1961) was an American actor and theatrical producer. Coburn was born in Macon, Georgia, the son of Scots-Irish Americans Emma Louise Sprigman and Moses Douville Coburn. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California) in 1960 for his contribution to the film industry. Growing up in Savannah, he started out at age 14 doing odd jobs at the local Savannah Theater, handing out programs, ushering, or being the doorman. By age 17 or 18, he was the theater manager. He later became an actor, making his debut on Broadway in 1901. Coburn formed an acting company with actress Ivah Wills in 1905. In addition to managing the company, the couple performed frequently on Broadway. After his wife's death in 1937, Coburn relocated to Los Angeles, California, and began film work.

Charles Coburn in Road to Singapore (1940)

Historical significance

He was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award three times – for The Devil and Miss Jones (1941), The More the Merrier (1943) and The Green Years (1946) – winning for his performance in The More the Merrier.

Coburn with Helen Walker in Impact (1949)

Sources and further reading

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Wikipedia source

Cite this page

MLA

“Charles Coburn.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/charles-coburn/. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

APA

Charles Coburn. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/charles-coburn/

Chicago

“Charles Coburn.” thisDay. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/charles-coburn/.

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