The Ultimate Guide To Noah Beery Jr.: A Hollywood Legacy Of Acting Excellence

Frederik McDermott 11 Jun 2025

Who was Noah Beery Jr.? Noah Beery Jr. was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles as James Garner's sidekick in the television series "The Rockford Files" and as Doc Holliday in the 1957 film "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."

Beery was born in New York City in 1913. His father, Noah Beery Sr., was also an actor. Beery began his acting career in the early 1930s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Champ" (1931) and "42nd Street" (1933). He served in the United States Army during World War II, and after the war, he resumed his acting career.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Beery appeared in a number of popular television shows, including "The Rifleman", "The Untouchables", and "Gunsmoke". He also appeared in several films, including "The Thing from Another World" (1951) and "The Fastest Gun Alive" (1956).

Beery's most famous role was as James Garner's sidekick, Rocky Rockford, in the television series "The Rockford Files". The show aired from 1974 to 1980, and Beery received two Emmy Awards for his performance.

Noah Beery Jr.

Noah Beery Jr. was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles as James Garner's sidekick in the television series "The Rockford Files" and as Doc Holliday in the 1957 film "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."

Versatile performer
Prolific career
Award-winning actor
Character actor
Comedic timing
Physicality
Likeable presence

Beery was a versatile performer who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. He was also a prolific actor, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. Beery's most famous role was as James Garner's sidekick, Rocky Rockford, in the television series "The Rockford Files". He won two Emmy Awards for his performance.

Here is a table of Beery's personal details and bio data:

Born	New York City, New York, U.S., August 17, 1913
Died	Tehachapi, California, U.S., November 1, 1994
Spouse	Maxine Jones (m. 1938; div. 1942) Lita Beery (m. 1942; div. 1954) Clare Beery (m. 1954)
Children	noah W. Beery lll
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1931-1984

Versatile performer

Noah Beery Jr. was a versatile performer who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. This versatility was evident in his many film and television appearances, in which he played everything from Western heroes to gangsters to comic sidekicks.

Range
Beery's range as an actor was truly impressive. He could play a wide variety of roles, from the serious to the comedic, and from the leading man to the supporting character. He was equally adept at playing both heroes and villains, and he could bring a sense of realism and believability to any role he played.
Physicality
Beery was also a gifted physical performer. He was able to use his body to great effect, whether he was performing stunts, dancing, or simply walking across the screen. His physicality helped him to create memorable characters, such as the drunken Doc Holliday in "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."
Beery's versatility as a performer was one of his greatest strengths. It allowed him to play a wide range of roles and to create memorable characters.

Prolific career

Noah Beery Jr. had a prolific career, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. He was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. This versatility, combined with his talent and dedication, allowed him to have a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.

Longevity
Beery's career spanned over five decades, from the early 1930s to the early 1980s. During that time, he appeared in a wide variety of films and television shows, including Westerns, comedies, dramas, and action films. His longevity is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
Variety
Beery was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles. He was equally adept at playing heroes and villains, and he could bring a sense of realism and believability to any role he played. His versatility allowed him to work with a wide range of directors and actors, and it helped him to create a memorable body of work.
Prolificacy
Beery was a prolific actor, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. He was a hard worker who was always willing to take on new challenges. His prolificacy is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his love of acting.
Impact
Beery's career had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. He was a talented actor who helped to create some of the most memorable films and television shows of the 20th century. His work continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Beery's prolific career is a testament to his talent, dedication, and love of acting. He was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows. His work continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Award-winning actor

Noah Beery Jr. was an award-winning actor who received two Emmy Awards for his performance in the television series "The Rockford Files". He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film "The Thing from Another World".

Emmy Awards
Beery won two Emmy Awards for his performance as Rocky Rockford in the television series "The Rockford Files". He was nominated for four other Emmy Awards, including one for his role in the miniseries "The Blue and the Gray".
Academy Award nomination
Beery was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Dr. Carrington in the film "The Thing from Another World". He lost to Edmund Gwenn, who won for his role in the film "Miracle on 34th Street".
Other awards
Beery also won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the television series "The Rockford Files". He was also nominated for a BAFTA Award for his role in the film "The Thing from Another World".
Recognition
Beery's awards are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. He was a gifted actor who could bring a sense of realism and believability to any role he played.

Beery's success as an actor is an inspiration to aspiring actors. He showed that it is possible to achieve great things with hard work and dedication.

Character actor

Noah Beery Jr. was a character actor, meaning that he specialized in playing distinctive and memorable supporting roles. He was known for his versatility and ability to bring a sense of realism and believability to any role he played.

Beery's character acting skills were evident in his many film and television appearances. He often played quirky or eccentric characters, such as the drunken Doc Holliday in "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" and the bumbling sidekick Rocky Rockford in "The Rockford Files". Beery's characters were often flawed and complex, but he always managed to find the humanity in them.

Beery's success as a character actor is due in part to his natural talent and charisma. He was also a gifted physical performer, able to use his body to create memorable characters. Beery's versatility and dedication to his craft allowed him to create a body of work that is both impressive and enduring.

Comedic Timing

Noah Beery Jr. was known for his impeccable comedic timing, which he demonstrated throughout his career in both film and television. His ability to deliver a joke with perfect timing and inflection made him a memorable and beloved character actor.

Rhythm and pacing
Beery had a natural sense of rhythm and pacing, which allowed him to deliver jokes with perfect timing. He knew how to pause for effect, and he could speed up or slow down his delivery to create the desired comedic effect.
Physicality
Beery's physicality also contributed to his comedic timing. He was a gifted physical performer, and he could use his body to create hilarious moments. For example, in the film "The Thing from Another World," Beery's character, Dr. Carrington, is chased by a creature. Beery's physical comedy in this scene is perfectly timed, and it helps to create a sense of suspense and excitement.
Facial expressions
Beery was also a master of facial expressions. He could convey a wide range of emotions with just a look, and he often used his facial expressions to comedic effect. For example, in the television series "The Rockford Files," Beery's character, Rocky Rockford, is often seen with a bemused expression on his face. This expression perfectly captures Rocky's laid-back personality, and it helps to create a sense of humor in the show.
Vocal delivery
Beery's vocal delivery was also an important part of his comedic timing. He had a distinctive voice, and he could use it to create a variety of comedic effects. For example, in the film "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," Beery's character, Doc Holliday, is often seen slurring his words. This slurring adds to the comedic effect of the character, and it helps to create a sense of realism.

Noah Beery Jr.'s comedic timing was one of his greatest strengths as an actor. It allowed him to create memorable and hilarious characters, and it helped him to become one of the most beloved character actors of all time.

Physicality

Noah Beery Jr. was a master of physical comedy. He used his body to create hilarious moments, and he could convey a wide range of emotions with just a look. His physicality was an important part of his comedic timing, and it helped him to become one of the most beloved character actors of all time.

Facial expressions
Beery was a master of facial expressions. He could convey a wide range of emotions with just a look, and he often used his facial expressions to comedic effect. For example, in the television series "The Rockford Files," Beery's character, Rocky Rockford, is often seen with a bemused expression on his face. This expression perfectly captures Rocky's laid-back personality, and it helps to create a sense of humor in the show.
Body language
Beery was also a gifted physical performer. He could use his body to create hilarious moments, and he often used his body language to comedic effect. For example, in the film "The Thing from Another World," Beery's character, Dr. Carrington, is chased by a creature. Beery's physical comedy in this scene is perfectly timed, and it helps to create a sense of suspense and excitement.
Timing
Beery's physicality was also important for his comedic timing. He knew how to use his body to create the desired comedic effect. For example, in the film "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," Beery's character, Doc Holliday, is often seen stumbling and slurring his words. This physical comedy adds to the comedic effect of the character, and it helps to create a sense of realism.
Character development
Beery's physicality also helped him to develop his characters. He could use his body to create a unique and memorable character. For example, in the television series "The Rockford Files," Beery's character, Rocky Rockford, is often seen wearing a rumpled suit and a hat. This physical appearance helps to create Rocky's character, and it makes him instantly recognizable to viewers.

Noah Beery Jr.'s physicality was an important part of his comedic talent. It allowed him to create memorable and hilarious characters, and it helped him to become one of the most beloved character actors of all time.

Likeable presence

Noah Beery Jr. had a likeable presence that made him a popular actor with audiences. He was often cast in roles that required him to be charming and charismatic, and he always delivered. Beery's likeable presence was due in part to his natural charisma, but it was also the result of his hard work and dedication to his craft.

Beery always took the time to get to know his characters and to understand their motivations. He wanted to make sure that he could bring them to life in a way that would resonate with audiences. Beery's dedication to his craft is evident in all of his performances, but it is especially noticeable in his comedic roles.

Beery had a gift for physical comedy, and he was always able to find the humor in any situation. He could make audiences laugh with just a look or a gesture. Beery's comedic timing was impeccable, and he always knew how to deliver a punchline perfectly.

Beery's likeable presence was a major factor in his success as an actor. He was able to connect with audiences on a personal level, and he always made them feel like they were part of the story. Beery's likeable presence is a reminder that even the smallest roles can make a big impact.

FAQs about Noah Beery Jr.

Question 1: What was Noah Beery Jr.'s most famous role?

Noah Beery Jr. is best known for his role as Rocky Rockford, James Garner's sidekick in the television series "The Rockford Files". He won two Emmy Awards for his performance.

Question 2: How many Emmy Awards did Noah Beery Jr. win?

Noah Beery Jr. won two Emmy Awards for his performance as Rocky Rockford in the television series "The Rockford Files".

Question 3: What other films and television shows did Noah Beery Jr. appear in?

Noah Beery Jr. appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including "The Thing from Another World" (1951), "The Fastest Gun Alive" (1956), "The Rifleman", "The Untouchables", and "Gunsmoke".

Question 4: When was Noah Beery Jr. born?

Noah Beery Jr. was born on August 17, 1913, in New York City, New York, U.S.

Question 5: When did Noah Beery Jr. die?

Noah Beery Jr. died on November 1, 1994, in Tehachapi, California, U.S.

Summary: Noah Beery Jr. was a versatile and talented actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is best known for his role as Rocky Rockford in the television series "The Rockford Files". Beery won two Emmy Awards for his performance.

Transition: Noah Beery Jr. was a beloved actor who will always be remembered for his comedic timing, physicality, and likeable presence.

Conclusion

Noah Beery Jr. was a versatile and talented actor who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a master of physical comedy, and he had a gift for creating memorable characters. Beery's likeable presence made him a popular actor with audiences, and he always delivered memorable performances.

Beery's legacy is a reminder that even the smallest roles can make a big impact. He was a dedicated actor who always gave his all, and his work continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

A Shroud of Thoughts A Tribute to Noah Beery, Jr. on His 100th Birthday

Picture of Noah Beery Jr.

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The Ultimate Guide To Noah Beery Jr.: A Hollywood Legacy Of Acting Excellence

Noah Beery Jr.

Versatile performer

Prolific career

Award-winning actor

Character actor

Comedic Timing

Physicality

Likeable presence

FAQs about Noah Beery Jr.

Conclusion

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