George Cleveland

George Alan Cleveland (September 17, 1885 – July 15, 1957) was a Canadian film actor.[1] He appeared in more than 180 films between 1930 and 1954.[2]

For the California politician, see George C. Cleveland. For the North Carolina politician, see George G. Cleveland.

George Cleveland
Cleveland as "Gramps" in Lassie (1954)
Born
George Sid Cleveland

(1885-09-17)September 17, 1885
Sydney, Nova Scotia
DiedJuly 15, 1957(1957-07-15) (aged 71)
Burbank, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1930–1957
Spouse(s)Helen Cleveland
(m. 1905; ? 190?)
Victory Bateman
(m. 1910; died 1926)

Dorothy Melleck
(m. 1955)
Cleveland, Jean Parker, Sarah Padden, and Marjorie Main in Romance of the Limberlost (1938)

Career

Cleveland was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.[3] Cleveland moved to Hollywood in 1936 and went on to work in films via acting, producing and directing.[4]

Cleveland is perhaps best remembered today as George "Gramps" Miller in the early years of the long running US series Lassie.[3] The early seasons in which Cleveland appeared were retitled Jeff's Collie for syndicated reruns and DVD release. He played the grumpy but-kind hearted father-in-law of farm woman Ellen Miller (Jan Clayton), and grandfather of Lassie's owner, Jeff (Tommy Rettig).

Cleveland appeared in the first three seasons (1954–1956) and in the first 12 episodes of the fourth season (1957). His death in July 1957 was written into the 13th episode of the fourth season (1957) and became the storyline motive for the selling of the farm and the departure of the Millers for Capitol City.

Cleveland died of a heart attack on July 15, 1957, in Burbank, California at age 71.[3][4] He was survived by his spouse Dorothy Melleck, whom he married in 1955.[5]

Selected filmography

References
  1. Wilson, Scott (September 16, 2016). Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed. McFarland. ISBN 9781476625997.
  2. Rowan, Terry (2015). Who's Who In Hollywood!. Lulu.com. ISBN 9781329074491.
  3. Ellenberger, Allan R. (2001). Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries: A Directory. McFarland. p. 41. ISBN 9780786409839. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  4. "George Cleveland, 'Gramps' Of Lassie Show, Dead at 71". Anderson Daily Bulletin. Indiana, Anderson. International News Service. July 16, 1957. p. 14. Retrieved November 17, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "George Cleveland, TV Actor, Succumbs". Reading Eagle. July 16, 1975. p. 8. Retrieved May 29, 2016 – via Google News Archive.
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