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One of the best and most familiar character actors of the first four decades of sound films, although few who knew his face also knew his name, 'John Qualen' . Although plagued in his later years by failing eyesight, he continued to work steadily into his final years. He was treasurer of The Authors Club and historian of The Masquers, Hollywood's famed social group for actors. He had three children, Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Meredith. Qualen died in 1987.
Though some reference works list his birth name as Oleson or Olson, in actuality Qualens grandfather changed the family name from Olson to Kvalen long before Qualens birth. Qualens father subsequently changed the name from Kvalen to Qualen, after Qualens birth. Originally pronounced identically to the previous spelling ("Kvah-len"), John Qualen himself changed the pronunciation to "Kway-len."
Of Norwegian parentage.
In 1930, although working in New York, his home base was at 328 Sidney Street West, St. Paul, Minnesota.
He is often erroneously credited with the bit role of the bull owner in the Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy film The Devils Brother . However, it is clearly not him nor is it his voice.
Appeared with John Wayne in nine films: The Long Voyage Home , The Shepherd of the Hills , The High and the Mighty , The Sea Chase , The Searchers , North to Alaska , The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance , Donovans Reef and The Sons of Katie Elder .
Was a talented musician playing piano, flute and saxophone in travelling concert parties. He became involved in acting while touring in Canada.
Teamed with Paul Fix 5 times. They started in "Road to Glory " and finished in 1973 in "The Streets of San Francisco: Winterkill." In between, they made featured appearances in 3 John Wayne movies: "The High and the Mighty" , "The Sea Chase" and "The Sons of Katie Elder".
