Date of Birth

Date of Death

Birth Name

Mini Biography

One of the most familiar faces and voices in Hollywood pictures of the 1950s. Percy Helton acted almost from infancy, appearing in his father's vaudeville act. The famed Broadway producer David Belasco cast Helton in a succession of child roles over several years, giving the boy an invaluable grounding in the technique and spirit of the theatre. George M. Cohan took Helton under his wing and used him a number of plays. Following his army service with the American Expeditionary Forces in the First World War, Helton returned to acting on the stage and carved out a substantial career as a juvenile in plays such as One Sunday Afternoon and Young America. In one of these plays, he was required to shout and scream for much of the performance, and by the end of the run, his voice had become permanently hoarse. He moved by necessity into character roles, working primarily on the stage until the late 1940s. Despite some early work as a juvenile in silent films, it was not until his brief but memorable appearance as a drunken Santa Claus in 'Miracle On 34th Street (1947)' that he began to shift primarily into film work. His diminutive physique and unmistakeable voice made him a fixture in a wide range of films and TV programs throughout the next two decades.

Spouse

Trade Mark

Hoarse, raspy voice and breathy delivery.

Trivia

One of his last appearances was in a Japanese TV commercial with Charles Bronson.

SETH SIKES (LEFT, AS PERCY HELTON) ...

... (Percy Helton) is intoxicated.