
Tom Kennedy
ActingAbout Tom Kennedy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Tom Kennedy (July 15, 1885 – October 6, 1965) was an American actor known for his roles in Hollywood comedies from the silent days, with such producers as Mack Sennett and Hal Roach, mainly supporting lead comedians such as the Marx Brothers, W. C. Fields, Mabel Normand, Shemp Howard, Laurel and Hardy, and the Three Stooges. Kennedy also played dramatic roles as a supporting actor. For over 50 years, from 1915 to 1965, he appeared in over 320 films and television series, often uncredited. His first film was a short black and white comedy, His Luckless Love. Kennedy was in all nine Torchy Blane films as Gahagan, the poetry-spouting cop whose running line was, "What a day! What a day!" He is often erroneously listed in film sources as the brother of slow-burning comedian Edgar Kennedy. Though the two men were not related, they were apparently good friends, with Tom appearing in many of Edgar's domestic two-reel comedy shorts. Tom Kennedy was also paired with Stooge Shemp Howard for several shorts for Columbia Pictures such as Society Mugs, as well as appearing with the Three Stooges in the films Loose Loot and Spooks!. He was also paired with El Brendel for four shorts, such as Phoney Cronies in 1942. His television appearances included episodes of Perry Mason, Maverick, My Favorite Martian, and Gunsmoke. Tom Kennedy continued making films right up until his death, his last film being the western The Bounty Killer.
Tom Kennedy Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Tom Kennedy reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Tom Kennedy's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Tom Kennedy's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Here Comes Elmer, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Tom Kennedy Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Tom Kennedy's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Tom Kennedy has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Clara Bow: Discovering the "It" Girl | Self (from Mantrap [1926]) (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| N/A | Home Work | Repairman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Some Like It Hot | Bouncer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Hook a Crook | I. Katchum (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fraidy Cat | I. Katchum (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Let's Go Navy! | Officer Donovan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Awful Sleuth | Pinky | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Jiggers, My Wife | Joe | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Take It Big | Moving Man (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Radio Rampage | Mr. Thompson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Wedtime Stories | House Detective | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | True to Life | Customer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Here Comes Elmer | Johnson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Cutie on Duty | Rocky | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Pretty Dolly | Gus | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Butch Minds the Baby | Philly the Weeper | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Home Work | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sweet Spirits of the Nighter | Tom | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Officer and the Lady | Bumps O'Neil | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sailors on Leave | Dugan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Man-I-Cured | House Detective, Maizie's Boy Friend | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Great Swindle | Capper Smith | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Making the Headlines | Police Sergeant Handley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Calling All Curtains | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | New News | Tom Kennedy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Wives Never Know | Bartender (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Gobs of Trouble | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Stage Frights | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Sock Me to Sleep | Battling McGee | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Gum Shoes | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Cracked Shots | Tom 'Pinky' Kennedy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Fish Feathers | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Young as You Feel | Colorado Detective | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | Glad Rag Doll | Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City | Crook | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | Marked Money | Bill Clemons | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | None But the Brave | Noah | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Silver Valley | 'Hayfever' Hawkins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Fireman, Save My Child | Capt. Kennedy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Alias The Deacon | Bull Moran | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Mysterious Rider | Lem Spooner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | Man of the Forest | Sheriff | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | The Yankee Señor | Luke Martin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | The Best Bad Man | Dan Ellis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Loving Lies | Captain Lindstrom | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Our Leading Citizen | Boots | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Full o' Pep | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | Serenade | Zambrano | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | Kismet | Kutayt | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | Cupid's Day Off | Gambling House Operator | Super Hit | Similar → |
Tom Kennedy - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Tom Kennedy?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tom Kennedy is "Here Comes Elmer" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Tom Kennedy acted in?
Tom Kennedy has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Tom Kennedy?
Other notable films include "Man of the Forest", "Cutie on Duty", and "New News".



