J. Carrol Naish

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Actor Born Joseph Carrol Naish on Jan. 21, 1897 in New York, NY

J. Carrol Naish's mastery of nearly 20 dialects made him one of the greatest ethnic character actors in Hollywood.

In a show business career that spanned more than five decades, the swarthy, black-haired, mustachioed Naish played Hindus, Mexicans, Japanese, Chinese, Arabs, Jews, Italians, Poles, English, American Indians and South Americans.

One of the few nationalities he never played was his own — Irish.

For years he played a succession of strutting villains and heavys, and although he was critically acclaimed by fellow actors he was little known to the public.

Not until near the end of his career, when he played the title role in the radio and television comedy "Life With Luigi," was his talent recognized by the public.

— Robert Rawitch in the Los Angeles Times Jan. 27, 1973