J. Farrell MacDonald (June 6, 1875 – August 2, 1952) was a true pioneer of American cinema, a prolific director during the silent era who then became one of Hollywood’s most beloved and ubiquitous character actors, appearing in over 325 films.
Beginning his career in 1911, MacDonald quickly became a director, helming 44 silent films. He was the principal director for L. Frank Baum’s Oz Film Manufacturing Company, where he notably gave early work to future legends Hal Roach and Harold Lloyd in films like The Patchwork Girl of Oz (1914).
By 1918, he had turned to acting full-time, becoming a favorite of Hollywood’s greatest directors. He was a staple in John Ford’s films, appearing in 25 of them, including his memorable role as the bartender Mac in My Darling Clementine (1946). He was also a member of Preston Sturges’ unofficial stock company and had a key role as Detective Tom Polhaus in the original version of The Maltese Falcon (1931). He can also be spotted in an uncredited role in the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life.
