Charles Arnt (August 20, 1906 – August 6, 1990) was an American actor who, after leaving a career in banking, became a prolific and beloved character actor, appearing in more than 200 films and numerous Broadway plays.
A Princeton University graduate and a veteran of the Broadway stage, Arnt appeared in notable productions like Carry Nation and Knickerbocker Holiday before bringing his quirky, intelligent persona to Hollywood. He quickly became a go-to actor for playing eccentric clerks, professionals, and small-town citizens.
He is fondly remembered for his many memorable supporting roles, including the eccentric mail sorter in the holiday classic Christmas in Connecticut (1945) and as the radio producer Parks in the James Stewart comedy Pot o’ Gold (1941). After a successful three-decade career, Arnt retired from acting in 1962 to pursue his other passion: importing and breeding Charolais cattle on his ranch in Washington state.
