American character actor in scores of films after substantial stage experience. He was born in DeSoto, Missouri, but raised in Atchison, Kansas. The son of a railroad worker and law clerk . During the last years of his life, he was co-owner of a popular restaurant/bar in Encino, California, called The Oak Room. Wilcox died in 1974.
In the final release print of 1951s Show Boat , Wilcox, as a poker player, had no lines -- unusual for a familiar supporting actor who usually had a speaking part. But his role may have been a little more substantial in the rough cut, because the scenes of Gaylord Ravenal and Magnolias "winning streak" in Chicago were trimmed some after it was decided that they slowed down the film.
Studied at the Pasadena Community Playhouse alongside George Reeves , who was among his closest friends. He was best man at Reevess wedding and they appeared in eleven films together.
Honorary mayor of Granada Hills, California during the 1960s.
Served on the Screen Actors Guild Board of Directors.
He appeared in three Best Picture Academy Award winners: Gentlemans Agreement , All the Kings Men and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) .
