Biography
Colorful American character actor equally adept at vicious killers or grizzled sidekicks. As a child he worked in the cotton fields. He attended Santa Monica Junior College in California and subsequently became an accountant and, at one time, manager of the Bel Air Hotel. Elam got his first movie job by trading his accounting services for a role. In short time he became one of the most memorable supporting players in Hollywood, thanks not only to his near-demented screen persona but also to an out-of-kilter left eye, sightless from a childhood fight. He appeared with great aplomb in Westerns and gangster films alike, and in later years played to wonderful effect in comedic roles.
Movies & TV Shows
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Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) — Frank's Gunman
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High Noon (1952) — Charlie - Drunk in Jail (uncredited)
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The Twilight Zone (1959) — Avery
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Home Improvement (1991) — Hick Peterson
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The Cannonball Run (1981) — Doctor
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Bonanza (1959) — Dodie Hoad
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Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) — Alamosa Bill Kermit
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Kiss Me Deadly (1955) — Charlie Max
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Bonanza: The Return (1993) — Buckshot
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Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) — Tom McLowery
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Cannonball Run II (1984) — Doc
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Rio Lobo (1970) — Phillips
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Vera Cruz (1954) — Tex
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The Man from Laramie (1955) — Chris Boldt
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Kung Fu (1972) — Marcus Taylor
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The Comancheros (1961) — Horseface (Comanchero)
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Zorro (1957) — Gomez (uncredited)
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Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) — Jake
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Suburban Commando (1991) — Col. Dustin 'Dusty' McHowell
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Pocketful of Miracles (1961) — Cheesecake
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The Far Country (1954) — Frank Newberry
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The Villain (1979) — Avery Simpson
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Kansas City Confidential (1952) — Pete Harris
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Artists and Models (1955) — Ivan
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Hannie Caulder (1971) — Frank Clemens
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The Untouchables (1959) — Jug Alverson
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Moonfleet (1955) — Damen
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Rancho Notorious (1952) — Mort Geary
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Man Without a Star (1955) — Knife Murderer (uncredited)
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Gunsmoke (1955) — Dolph Quince
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The Way West (1967) — Preacher Weatherby
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The Last Sunset (1961) — Ed Hobbs
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Simon & Simon (1981)
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Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971) — Jug May
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Jubal (1956) — McCoy
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Night Passage (1957) — Shotgun
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The Wild Wild West (1965) — Zack Slade
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The Rare Breed (1966) — Deke Simons
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Firecreek (1968) — Norman
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The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979) — Big Mac