John Carradine (born
Richmond Reed Carradine; February 5, 1906 – November 27, 1988) was an American actor, best known for his roles in
horror films,
Westerns and
Shakespearean theatre. A member of
Cecil B. DeMille's stock company and later
John Ford's company, he was one of the most prolific
character actors in
Hollywood history. He was married four times, had five children and was the patriarch of the
Carradine family, including four of his sons and four of his grandchildren who are or were also actors.