Edward S. Brophy was born on February 27, 1895 in New York City and educated at the University of Virginia. He became a bit and small-part in the movies starting in 1919, but switched to behind-the-scenes work for job security, though he continued appearing in small parts. While serving as a property master for 'Buster Keaton .
Entered films in 1919.
Bald, raspy-voiced, cigar chewing, diminutive Hollywood character actor who specialized in playing gangsters, both in a comic or serious variety, at his peak during the 1930s and 1940s.
He was the voice of Timothy Q. Mouse in Dumbo.
Provided the voice of Harry the Horse on radios Damon Runyon Theater, which ran throughout 1949.
Buried at Santa Monicas Woodlawn Cemetery.
Studied at the University of Virginia to become a lawyer, but harboring a desire to act he started "hanging around" Norma Talmadges film studio in New York from 1918 in the hope of picking up work as an extra.
Brophy and his wife Annie became godparents to Robert Talmadge Keaton, the second son of Buster Keaton and Natalie Talmadge, in February 1924.
Married Norma Talmadges secretary, Annie, to whom he remained wed until his death in 1960. Annie died in 1963.
Was a frequent contributor to the popular "True Detective Mysteries" series on the Mutual Radio network.
The sidekick character that Ron Carey plays in Mel Brooks 1976 Hitchcock parody "High Anxiety" is named Brophy in tribute to Edward Brophy who played dozens of sidekick parts throughout his career.
Doiby Dickles, sidekick to DC Comics Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott), was modeled after Edward Brophy.
