Jay C. Flippen was a popular American character actor who appeared in many films and television shows from the 1940s to the 1970s. He was known for his distinctive voice, craggy face, and versatile roles as both heroes and villains. He worked with some of the biggest stars of Hollywood, such as John Wayne, James Stewart, Marlon Brando, and Debbie Reynolds. But how did he die and what was his cause of death? In this article, we will explore the life and career of Jay C. Flippen, as well as the circumstances of his death.
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Early Life and Career
Jay C. Flippen was born on March 6, 1899, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His father, John, was a bookkeeper who died in 1908. His mother, Emma, was a dance and theater instructor who raised him and his older sister, Era, who died in 1909. Flippen showed an interest in performing arts from a young age and joined the Al G. Field Minstrels at age 16. He was discovered by famed African-American comedian Bert Williams in 1920, and became his Broadway understudy and tour replacement for the musical revue Broadway Brevities, according to Wikipedia.
Flippen established himself as a respected vaudeville singer and stage actor, who often performed in blackface. He recorded more than 30 songs for various record labels between 1924 and 1929. He also became a popular master of ceremonies on vaudeville bills and emceed movie shorts in the 1930s. He was a lifelong baseball fan and a radio announcer for New York Yankees games. He also appeared on Broadway in several shows, such as Hellzapoppin, Take a Bow, and The Great Temptations.
Film and Television Career
Flippen made his film debut in 1928, in a short film called The Ham What Am, which captured his vaudeville act. He did not pursue a film career until after World War II, when he started to appear in supporting roles in various genres, such as war, crime, western, and musical films. He often played crusty sergeants, police officers, or weary criminals, but also showed his comedic and dramatic skills. Some of his notable films include:
- They Live by Night (1948), where he played T-Dub, a bank robber who was shot to death by the police, according to Cinemorgue Wiki.
- The Wild One (1953), where he played Sheriff Stew Singer, who tried to maintain order in a town invaded by motorcycle gangs, led by Marlon Brando.
- Oklahoma! (1955), where he played Ike Skidmore, a rancher and friend of Curly, the protagonist, played by Gordon MacRae.
- The Killing (1956), where he played Marvin Unger, a former cop and the mastermind of a racetrack heist, who was killed by his wife, played by Marie Windsor.
- How the West Was Won (1962), where he played Huggins, a river pirate who tried to rob a boat carrying Gregory Peck and Debbie Reynolds.
- Hellfighters (1968), where he played Jack Lomax, a wheelchair-bound senior partner of John Wayne’s character, who was an oil well firefighter.
Flippen also appeared in many television shows, such as Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Beverly Hillbillies. He often played guest roles as authority figures or comic relief. He also starred in his own sitcom, The Jay C. Flippen Show, in 1953, where he played a hotel manager.
Health Problems and Death
Flippen suffered from diabetes and had to have his left leg amputated in 1960, due to gangrene. He continued to act despite his disability and used a prosthetic leg or a wheelchair. He also had heart problems and underwent several surgeries. His last film was The Seven Minutes (1971), where he played a judge. He died on February 3, 1971, at the age of 71, in Los Angeles, California. His cause of death was complications from surgery, according to Dead or Kicking. He was entombed at Westwood Memorial Park’s Corridor of Memories, according to IMDb.
Legacy and Influence
Jay C. Flippen was a versatile and prolific actor who left a mark on the film and television industry. He worked with some of the most acclaimed directors, such as Anthony Mann, Stanley Kubrick, and John Ford. He was admired by his co-stars and colleagues for his professionalism and talent. He was also a generous and kind person who supported many charities and causes. He was married to Ruth Brooks Flippen, a screenwriter and producer, from 1947 until his death. He had no children of his own, but was a stepfather to Ruth’s son, Brian. He was also a mentor and friend to many young actors, such as James Dean, Robert Redford, and Dennis Hopper.
Jay C. Flippen’s cause of death was a tragic end to a remarkable life and career. He was a man who overcame many challenges and hardships and achieved success and recognition in his field. He was a man who entertained and inspired millions of people with his performances and personality. He was a man who left behind a legacy of excellence and influence that will not be forgotten.
