American actor of stage, film, and television
Children: Stuart Erwin Jr. , Judy.
In 1938, Erwin was booked to play Dagwood opposite Una Merkel as his blonde missus, when Chic Young s Blondie comic-strip couple hit the screen. Finally, the role (in some 28 films across 12 years) went to Arthur Lake and Penny Singleton. Ironically, Erwin made one film in the much-loved series, Blondie for Victory .
Specialised in playing the average Joe, also hayseeds and semi-buffoonish sidekicks. Best as boxer Joe Palooka of comic strip fame (tt0025619) and as Judy Garland s dense brother in Pigskin Parade , which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Has a crypt at Chapel of the Pines Crematorium in Los Angeles.
