Erford Gage Explained

Erford Gage
Birth Name:Erford Holmes Gage
Birth Date:5 April 1912
Birth Place:Northfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death Place:Luzon, Philippines
Occupation:Actor
Yearsactive:1942–1944

Erford Holmes Gage (April 5, 1912 – March 17, 1945) was an American actor.[1] After several years as a stage actor, he was active in RKO Pictures films between 1942 and 1944. In his movies, he often played shady characters or outright villains, most notably the sadistic Nazi Dr. Schmidt in Hitler's Children. In a different vein, he appeared as the no-nonsense Sgt. Burke in the two low-budget GI comedies starring the team of Brown and Carney.

Personal life

Gage served as a staff sergeant in the 20th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army during World War II and was killed in action during the Battle of Luzon on March 17, 1945.[2] [3] During his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart. He is buried at Manila American Cemetery. According to obituaries at the time, his widow was actress Nell King.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1942Seven Miles from Alcatraz Paul Brenner
1943Hitler's Children Dr. Schmidt
1943The Falcon Strikes Back Rickey Davis
1943Bombardier Meyer Uncredited
1943Mr. Lucky Henchman
1943The Falcon in Danger Evan Morley
1943Mexican Spitfire's Blessed Event Minor Role Uncredited
1943The Fallen Sparrow Roman Uncredited
1943The Seventh Victim Jason Hoag
1943The Adventures of a Rookie Sgt. Burke
1943Gangway for Tomorrow Dan Barton
1943Rookies in Burma Sergeant Burke
1944The Curse of the Cat People Police Captain
1944Days of Glory Col. Prilenko Uncredited, (final film role)

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Erford Gage . December 15, 2020 . BFI.
  2. News: April 26, 1945 . Obituary for Erford Gage . The Birmingham News . December 14, 2020.
  3. Book: Wilson, Scott . Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons . McFarland . 2016 . 9780786479924 . 3rd . Jefferson, North Carolina . 266.