Veteran character actor Charles Lane marks 100th birthday

AP ^ | 1/25/05 | Bob Thomas

[Borges]

You've seen this guy even if you don't know the name. You have to love his attitude!

He was in:

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
"The Winds of War" (1983)
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
You Can't Take It with You (1938)
Twentieth Century (1934)
"War and Remembrance" (1988)
Ball of Fire (1941)
The Music Man (1962)
42nd Street (1933)

[26lemoncharlie]

The Ultimate Actor! Happy 100, Glad your still with us!

When is your next movie??

[Tax-chick]

I know that face ... happy 100th, sir!

[silent_jonny]

God bless you, Charlie!

[Young Werther]

..and who can forget "the Ghost and Mr. Chicken"?

[muir_redwoods]

Happy 100th Mr. Lane, thanks for your work.

[gorush]

Oh, that guy...well done sir!

[nothingnew]

"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (Lane played a nosy newsman) and "It's a Wonderful Life" (as the rent collector).

Didn't know who he was until this line.

Happy birthday Mr. Lane.

FMCDH(BITS)

[catonsville]

He was one of the great putdowners in the movies and on TV. With impeccable timing and an expressive unique voice, and if given the right material, his responses were awesomely funny.

[RobbyS]

For him "It's A wonderful Life" was more than a film he acted in. Married for more than 70 years. God bless you, Sir.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Happy birthday to Mr. Lane ! One of the few actors who consistently rises above the material given to him.

[dead]

Holy cow, it's that guy!

I figured he died sometime around 1971!

Happy birthday!

[stevem]

Charles Lane appeared in about 800 feature films and TV shows.

I guess he and Richard Jaeckel must have vied for "the most." Seriously, true professionalism is a treat, and this guy was believable.

[whinecountry]

Great post about a memorable actor...thanks for posting!

[Graymatter]

About 25,000 packs of cigs. Somebody should seriously bottle this man's DNA.

[tapatio]

Wow!I didn't know he was still around. Happy Birthday Mr.Lane!

[It's me]

"And I was being paid $35 a day," he muttered. "When the Screen Actors Guild was being organized, I was one of the first to join."

Back then!!

That seems like a good salary back in the '30's.

[Swede Girl]

Thanks for posting this. Everyone must certainly recognize Charles Lane from all of his roles on TV and in the movies. It's great to know that he is still with us.

[GOPrincess]

He was in a gazillion episodes of BEWITCHED...

[Malesherbes]

I hope he makes his next movie. If I reach a hundred I will be worried about my next move.