Noah Beery

American actor

Born: August 10, 1913 · Died: November 1, 1994

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Who was Noah Beery?

Noah Lindsey Beery (August 10, 1913 – November 1, 1994) was an American actor often specializing in warm, friendly character roles similar to many portrayed by his Oscar-winning uncle, Wallace Beery. Active as an actor in films or television for well over half a century, he was best known for playing Joseph "Rocky" Rockford, the father of James Garner's character, James Rockford, in the NBC television series The Rockford Files (1974–1980). His father, Noah Beery, enjoyed a similarly lengthy film career as a supporting actor in major films, although the elder Beery was also frequently a leading man during the silent film era. Beery was born in New York City, New York, where his father was working as a stage actor. He was given his nickname "Pidge" by George M. Cohan's sister Josie. The family moved to California in 1915 when his father began appearing in motion pictures.

Noah Beery Jr. with his father Noah Beery Sr. in 1922

Historical significance

After attending school in Los Angeles, they moved to a ranch in the San Fernando Valley, a style of living he would maintain for the rest of his life. Unlike his more famous uncle, however, Beery Jr. seldom broke away from playing supporting roles.

Sources and further reading

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MLA

“Noah Beery.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/noah-beery-jr/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

APA

Noah Beery. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved November 1, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/noah-beery-jr/

Chicago

“Noah Beery.” thisDay. Accessed November 1, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/noah-beery-jr/.

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