John Qualen (December 8, 1899 – September 12, 1987) was a beloved Canadian-American character actor of Norwegian heritage who, with his distinctive accent and folksy, often worried demeanor, became one of the most recognizable and dependable supporting players of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
After gaining his big break on Broadway in Elmer Rice’s Street Scene and reprising the role in the 1931 film version, Qualen became a cherished member of director John Ford’s prestigious stock company. For over 30 years, he appeared in Ford’s films, delivering two of his most unforgettable performances as the heartbroken farmer Muley in The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and the eccentric Lars Jorgensen in the classic Western The Searchers (1956).
Qualen’s incredible versatility was on full display in 1940 when he also played the pathetic, doomed Earl Williams in the classic screwball comedy His Girl Friday. He is also instantly recognizable as Berger, the heroic Norwegian resistance member who seeks Rick’s help in the timeless classic Casablanca (1942). With over 100 film credits, his warm and authentic presence made him a favorite of nearly every great director of his era.
