Prolific, popular character player who began his career on the stage and, between 1915 and 1919, starred in numerous westerns for Essanay Studio. The portly, distinguished-looking actor returned to films in the sound era, first in crime melodramas, then as a priest in "The White Sister" and a sheik in "The Barbarian" (both 1933) before finding his special niche portraying all kinds of tycoons: as an alcoholic millionaire ("Sadie McKee" 1934), a lumber tycoon ("Come and Get It" 1936) and a sinister munitions king ("Idiot's Delight" 1939). Despite being middle-aged and heavy-set, Arnold played leading roles for a number of years from the mid-1930s through the early 40s, even after being named on the infamous 1937 exhibitors list of stars who were considered "box-office poison". (Arnold was in excellent company with Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Fred Astaire, Joan Crawford and others who enjoyed lengthy careers.)
With his cool stare and facile, jovial laugh, Arnold also excelled at playing public officials and corrupt politicians ("Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" 1939) as well as biographical personages (Louis XIII in "Cardinal Richelieu" 1935, Diamond Jim Brady in "Diamond Jim" 1935 and again in "Lillian Russell" 1940, and an especially delightful Daniel Webster in "All That Money Can Buy" 1941). He even rose to the rank of President of the United States on the radio series, "Mr. President".
- Also Credited As:
Guenther Edward Arnold Schneider
- Born:
February 18, 1890 in New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
April 26, 1956.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Boiler attendant, Errand boy, Jeweler s apprentice, Newsboy, Office boy
Family
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Father: Carl Schneider. German immigrant; died when Arnold was 14
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Mother: Elizabeth Schneider. German immigrant; died when Arnold was 11
Significant Others
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Wife: Cleo McClain.
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Wife: Olive Emerson.
Milestones
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1905 Professional stage debut as a bit player with Ben Greet Players in Trenton, New Jersey; changed name to Edward Arnold
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1915 Film debut, When the Man Speaks
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1925 Returned to Broadway in Easy Come, Easy Go
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1927 Appeared in Sunrise , directed by F.W. Murnau
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1932 First sound film, Okay America
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1956 Last films, The Houston Story , Miami Expose , The Ambassador s Daughter
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Amateur theatrical debut as Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice at age 12 in an East Side settlement house production
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Became a leader in the sale of war bonds during WWII and in the establishment of USO camp shows for the armed forces
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Co-founded I Am An American Foundation
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Hired by Essanay Studio in Chicago to replace Francis X. Bushman as a Western hero; starred in over 40 two-reelers; worked as extra with Old World Film Company in New Jersey
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Joined Maxine Elliott s acting company as juvenile lead and assistant stage manager
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Quit school at age ten to work as newsboy, errand boy, bellhop and boiler attendant at Columbia University; orphaned at age 14