Herbert Butterfield (October 28, 1895 – May 2, 1957) was an actor best known for his work in American radio.
Early life and career Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Butterfield graduated with a BA from Brown University before serving in World War I in France and Germany. After the war, he attended University of London, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and earned his MA from the University of Iowa.Collican, Thomas D. (October 16, 1950). "Looking and Listening". Syracuse Herald-Journal. p. 7. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
Perhaps his major roles on radio were those of crime-lab expert Lee Jones (as well as many supporting characters) in Dragnet, and The Commissioner in Dangerous Assignment.Dunning, John (1976). Tune in Yesterday: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. 1925–1976. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Butterfield acted in dozens of roles on Broadway Is My Beat. His other roles in radio programs included: Rex Kramer on Dan Harding's Wife, Ziehm in Girl Alone, Clarence Wellman in The Halls of Ivy, Weissoul in Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy, Preacher Jim in Kitty Keene, Inc., Judge Carter Colby in Lonely Women, Phineas Herringbone in Ma Perkins, Judge Glenn Hunter in One Man's Family, and Judge Colby in Today's Children.Buxton, Frank and Owen, Bill (1972). The Big Broadcast: 1920–1950. The Viking Press. He also was the last actor to play Inspector Richard Queen in The Adventures of Ellery Queen on radio.
Butterfield's limited activity on television included reprising his roles of Clarence Wellman in The Halls of IvyMcNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television, Penguin Books, and The Commissioner in Dangerous Assignment. He appeared in many episodes of the TV version of Dragnet and in an episode of Colgate Theatre. He also appeared as kindly old man on Father Knows Best in season 3 episode 6. He also had roles in a few movies, including The House on Telegraph Hill and Shield for Murder.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1950 Never Fear Walter Williams 1951 The House on Telegraph Hill Joseph C. Callahan 1953 The I Don't Care Girl Doctor Uncredited1953 A Blueprint for Murder Judge at Preliminary Hearing Uncredited1954 Shield for Murder Cabot 1955 The Tender Trap Minister Voice, Uncredited1955 The Fighting Chance Tipsy Man Uncredited1956 The Ten Commandments Royal Physician Uncredited
References
External links
Herbert 'Herb' Butterfield at Old Time Radio Researchers.org