Patrick Cranshaw

The supporting actor who never wanted to retire

Joseph Patrick Cranshaw was not the kind of actor who chased the covers of trendy magazines. He was born in Bartlesville in 1919 and spent much of his youth in Texas, never imagining that his wrinkled face would become a good-luck charm for American comedy.

His professional debut took a while to arrive. Before stepping onto a movie set, he served in the Air Force during World War II. It was there that the acting bug first bit him, while he entertained troops in local shows.

In 1960 he landed an uncredited role in The Amazing Transparent Man. It was the start of a steady supporting career. Cranshaw quickly understood that his slight build and slightly raspy voice opened a very specific door in the Hollywood industry.

And then came the turn of the millennium.

For decades he moved from series to series. He appeared in shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and I Dream of Jeannie. But he never sought full leading-man status, since he felt comfortable on the sidelines of the scene.

The Blue Phenomenon and Raunchy Comedy

In 2003 he played Blue in the movie Old School. That older man crashing college parties with Will Ferrell gave him a level of visibility he had not enjoyed in fifty years of acting. Young people started recognizing him on the street.

That role allowed him to work on more than twenty projects during his last five years. He didn't care how big the part was as long as there was a good line to deliver. So he agreed to take part in productions of every budget size.

It was his moment of greatest exposure.

In 2000 he appeared in Best in Show under the direction of Christopher Guest. He also worked on the Air Bud franchise, voicing Sheriff Miller in several installments. His ability to endure marathon shooting days well into his eighties amazed cinematographers.

A Final Act Up Close

His work pace did not slow down toward the end of his life. In 2002 he appeared in Frank McKlusky, C.I., and a year later he popped up in My Boss's Daughter. He never had an agent chasing awards, because he preferred the security of a weekly shooting contract.

In 2005 he filmed his final scenes for Herbie: Fully Loaded. He died at his home in Fort Worth shortly after finishing the voice work for Air Buddies in 2006. His death certificate cites natural causes at the age of 86.