# Dick Winslow

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American actor and musician (1915–1991)

Dick Winslow Winslow in 1950 Born Richard Winslow Johnson (1915-03-25)March 25, 1915 Jennings, Louisiana, U.S. Died February 7, 1991(1991-02-07) (aged 75) North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Occupation Actor Years active 1924–1988 Spouse Shirley Children 4

**Richard Winslow Johnson** (March 25, 1915 – February 7, 1991[1]) was an American actor, musician, and multi-talented performer whose career spanned from child acting in the 1920s through decades of character roles in film and television, as well as extensive work as a live musician and one-man band entertainer.[2]

## Early life

Dick Winslow was born in [Jennings, Louisiana](/source/Jennings%2C_Louisiana), in 1915, and was raised in [Los Angeles, California](/source/Los_Angeles%2C_California).[2] He later attended and graduated from Belmont High School in Los Angeles.[2]

## Career

He entered show business at a very young age, appearing in *[Our Gang](/source/Our_Gang)* comedies during the 1920s and working as a child reporter on a KHJ children’s radio program in 1924.[2]

By the early 1930s, Winslow was already an established juvenile performer in Hollywood.[3][4][5]

He appeared in the role of Joe Harper in *[Tom Sawyer](/source/Tom_Sawyer_(1930_film))* (1930) and played Johnny Carter in the motion picture *[Seed](/source/Seed_(1931_film))*.[4][5]

During this period, Winslow became known not only for his screen work but also for his live performances. He frequently appeared at department stores and toy shops throughout Southern California, including Robertson’s Toyland in Hollywood, Walker’s in San Diego, and Harris’ Toy Town in San Bernardino, where he entertained children by sketching portraits and playing the accordion.[3][4][5]

He was also closely associated with author [Madeline Brandeis](/source/Madeline_Brandeis) and served as the real-life model for the hero of her children’s novel *Jack of the Circus*. In 1931, Winslow participated in book promotion events alongside Brandeis, sketching young readers and appearing in public autograph sessions.[3][4][5]

At the same time, Winslow was developing a parallel career as a musician. He led his own orchestra, performing at Hollywood industry events such as the Actors Costume Ball at the Hollywood Masonic Temple, and provided music for films including *[Sorority House](/source/Sorority_House_(film))*, *[Hold That Co-Ed](/source/Hold_That_Co-Ed)*, and *[Swing, Sister, Swing](/source/Swing%2C_Sister%2C_Swing)*. He also appeared in *[Three Smart Girls Grow Up](/source/Three_Smart_Girls_Grow_Up)* and *[East Side of Heaven](/source/East_Side_of_Heaven)*.[6]

As an adult, Winslow became a prolific character actor, appearing in dozens of motion pictures over several decades. His other film credits included roles as Tinkler in *[Mutiny on the Bounty](/source/Mutiny_on_the_Bounty_(1935_film))* (1935), composer [Gil Rodin](/source/Gil_Rodin) in *[The Benny Goodman Story](/source/The_Benny_Goodman_Story)* (1955), Mr. Schultz in *[Airport](/source/Airport_(1970_film))* (1970), and a streetcar driver in [John Wayne](/source/John_Wayne)’s *[The Shootist](/source/The_Shootist)* (1976).[2]

He also appeared in numerous television series, including *[I Love Lucy](/source/I_Love_Lucy)*, *[The Red Skelton Show](/source/The_Red_Skelton_Show)*, *[Maude](/source/Maude_(TV_series))*, and *[Dallas](/source/Dallas_(TV_series))*, among others.[2]

In addition to acting, Winslow was a lifelong musician and entertainer. Throughout the 1950s, he worked on a promotional tour for the Hacienda Hotel in Las Vegas, playing piano aboard 1,133 chartered airline flights between Burbank and Las Vegas.[2]

From 1955 until the mid-1970s, he performed periodically at [Disneyland](/source/Disneyland) as a one-man band entertainer.[2] In 1964, Winslow was selected to portray a one-man band character created by [Walt Disney](/source/Walt_Disney) for the premiere of *[Mary Poppins](/source/Mary_Poppins_(film))*.[2] After leaving Disneyland in the mid-1970s, he performed at [Knott's Berry Farm](/source/Knott's_Berry_Farm) until 1982, and continued entertaining at private events and in television commercials.[2]

In 1966, Winslow co-wrote the [California Angels](/source/Los_Angeles_Angels)’ fight song, “A-OK!”, with his wife, contributing a lasting piece of music to the team’s identity.[2]

## Personal life

Winslow was married to Shirley Winslow for 31 years. He had four children: sons Rick and Kevin, and daughters Kellie and Judie. He also had two grandchildren.[2]

Winslow resided in [Studio City, California](/source/Studio_City%2C_California) later in life.[2]

## Death

Dick Winslow died from complications of diabetes at a convalescent hospital in [North Hollywood, Los Angeles](/source/North_Hollywood%2C_Los_Angeles), [California](/source/California), in February 7, 1991 at age 75.[7][8]

## Filmography

### Film

Year Title Role Notes 1924 Which Shall It Be? Moore Child 1926 Trumpin' Trouble Jimmie Dyson 1927 Range Courage Jimmy Blake 1928 Avalanche Jack Dunton (age 12) 1929 Marianne Teen-age Boy for soldiers' marching song Uncredited 1929 Love, Live and Laugh Mike 1929 The Virginian Young Boy at square dances Uncredited 1929 Blaze o' Glory Boy Uncredited 1930 Sarah and Son Servant's Son Uncredited 1930 Tom Sawyer Joe Harper Starring Jackie Coogan; first sound version of Mark Twain novel 1931 Bad Sister Paper Boy First film appearance of Bette Davis; Uncredited 1931 Misbehaving Ladies Minor Role Uncredited 1931 Seed Johnny Carter 1932 Forbidden Office Boy Uncredited 1932 The Impatient Maiden Irish Neighbor's Son Uncredited 1932 So Big Roelf, age 12 1932 Tom Brown of Culver Cadet Uncredited 1933 Laughter in Hell Ed Perkins, as a boy 1933 The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi Student Uncredited 1933 Only Yesterday Uncredited 1933 Female First Office Boy Uncredited 1934 Uncertain Lady Office Boy 1934 Harold Teen Student Uncredited 1934 Twenty Million Sweethearts Page Boy Uncredited 1934 Stingaree Boy with Package Uncredited 1934 Bachelor Bait Lionel Pierpont Wells Uncredited 1934 The Man with Two Faces Call Boy Voice, Uncredited 1934 The Human Side Phil Sheldon 1934 One Exciting Adventure Boy 1934 There's Always Tomorrow Dick White 1934 Flirtation Walk Cadet Uncredited 1935 Grand Old Girl One of Gerry's Friends Uncredited 1935 The Good Fairy Messenger Uncredited 1935 A Night at the Ritz Messenger Uncredited 1935 Night Life of the Gods Student Uncredited 1935 The Girl from 10th Avenue College Club Bellboy Uncredited 1935 Front Page Woman Copy Boy Uncredited 1935 Shipmates Forever Danny, the Accordionist Uncredited 1935 Mutiny on the Bounty Tinkler Starring Clark Gable and Charles Laughton; Oscar winner for Best Picture. 1936 Rose Bowl Boy Uncredited 1937 Navy Blue and Gold Seaman Messenger Uncredited 1938 Man-Proof Messenger Boy with Telegram Uncredited 1938 Test Pilot Pilot in Cafe Story of a daredevil test pilot starring Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy; Uncredited 1938 Letter of Introduction Second Elevator Boy Uncredited 1938 Hold That Co-ed State College Band Leader Uncredited 1939 Persons in Hiding Page Uncredited 1939 Sudden Money Messenger Uncredited 1939 Good Girls Go to Paris Student Uncredited 1939 Winter Carnival Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1939 When Tomorrow Comes Accordion Player Uncredited 1939 Dancing Co-Ed Man on Motorcycle Uncredited 1940 And One Was Beautiful Boy at Party Uncredited 1940 Star Dust Messenger Uncredited 1940 Those Were the Days! First Passenger Uncredited 1940 Manhattan Heartbeat Bus Driver 1940 Mystery Sea Raider Messenger Uncredited 1940 Love Thy Neighbor Bellboy Uncredited 1942 The Bugle Sounds Recruit Uncredited 1942 A Tragedy at Midnight Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1942 Ten Gentlemen from West Point Cadet Uncredited 1942 Orchestra Wives Musician Uncredited 1943 Bombardier Navigator Uncredited 1943 Salute to the Marines Young Marine Uncredited 1943 Swing Shift Maisie Flyer Lieutenant Uncredited 1943 Thousands Cheer Soldier A WWII-themed all-star M-G-M musical revue designed to boost morale; Uncredited 1943 Is Everybody Happy? Joe 1944 Stars on Parade Dave Uncredited 1945 Blonde from Brooklyn Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1946 Tars and Spars Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1946 My Reputation Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1946 To Each His Own Bill McNair Olivia de Havilland romantic drama for which she won her first Oscar for Best Actress; Uncredited 1946 The Blue Dahlia Dick, Piano Player at Party Film noir starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake; Uncredited 1946 Easy to Wed Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1946 Sing While You Dance Hep Uncredited 1946 The Secret Heart Photographer Uncredited 1947 Kilroy Was Here Bandleader Uncredited 1948 You Were Meant for Me Drummer, Member of the Band Uncredited 1948 French Leave Concertina Player 1948 On an Island with You Bald Naval Radio Operator Uncredited 1950 I'll Get By Cooky Myers Uncredited 1952 With a Song in My Heart Tony Morello, Orchestra Conductor Susan Hayward stars in a biopic of crippled singer Jane Froman; Uncredited 1952 Washington Story Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1952 Because of You Hartman Uncredited 1953 Scared Stiff Nightclub Patron Martin & Lewis comedy; uncredited 1953 A Slight Case of Larceny Customer Uncredited 1953 Half a Hero Orchestra Leader / Emcee Uncredited 1953 Torch Song Party Guest Uncredited 1954 The Atomic Kid Second Sergeant Uncredited 1954 They Rode West Soldier, Ocarina Player Uncredited 1955 Jail Busters Dr. Wade Uncredited 1955 The Twinkle in God's Eye Poker Player Uncredited 1956 The Benny Goodman Story Gil Rodin Biopic of musician Benny Goodman starring Steve Allen and Donna Reed 1956 Francis in the Haunted House Sergeant Arnold A "Francis the Talking Mule" comedy starring Mickey Rooney 1958 King Creole Eddie Burton An Elvis Presley musical drama 1960 Platinum High School Eddie Uncredited 1960 All the Fine Young Cannibals Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1960 The Rat Race Tip, Member of The Red Peppers Uncredited 1960 G.I. Blues Orchestra Leader An Elvis Presley musical comedy; uncredited 1961 Ada Reporter Uncredited 1961 Everything's Ducky Fröehlich 1961 The Continental Twist M. Dubois 1962 Gypsy Burlesque House Orchestra Leader Adaptation of Broadway musical; Uncredited 1963 Bye Bye Birdie Leader of Fireman's Band Adaptation of Broadway musical; Uncredited 1964 The Carpetbaggers Reporter Uncredited 1965 The Cincinnati Kid Second Player Uncredited 1965 Do Not Disturb One-Man Band A comedy starring Doris Day and Rod Taylor 1966 Frankie and Johnny Orchestra Leader Uncredited 1966 Three on a Couch Ship's Officer A Jerry Lewis comedy; Uncredited 1966 Nevada Smith Prisoner Uncredited 1966 Follow Me, Boys! Musician Uncredited 1966 The Swinger Photographer Uncredited 1967 Riot on Sunset Strip Curtis 1967 Divorce American Style Card Player Uncredited 1967 The Love-Ins Policeman Uncredited 1967 The Fastest Guitar Alive Man in Street Uncredited 1968 Never a Dull Moment Second TV Actor Uncredited 1968 Funny Girl Violinist at Keeney's Uncredited 1968 The Wrecking Crew Tram Operator Uncredited 1969 The Comic Organist Uncredited 1970 Airport Mr. Schultz 1971 Doctors' Wives Manuel, the Bartender Uncredited 1971 The Love Machine Producer Uncredited 1971 The Brady Bunch Winters The Teeter Totter Caper 1973 The Devil and LeRoy Bassett Charlie Zornes 1975 Lepke Piano Player 1975 Funny Lady Fritz Sequel to Funny Girl (1968) starring Barbra Streisand 1975 The Apple Dumpling Gang Slippery Sid A Walt Disney family comedy with Tim Conway and Don Knotts 1975 The Other Side of the Mountain Man in Car 1976 Embryo John Forbes 1976 Treasure of Matecumbe Townsman at Medicine Show Uncredited 1976 The Shootist Streetcar Driver John Wayne western; his final film role. 1976 Two-Minute Warning Man with Toupee 1976 Freaky Friday Man in Pool Walt Disney family film with a young Jodie Foster; Uncredited 1978 Movie Movie Reporter / Tinkle Johnson (segment "Dynamite Hands") / (segment "Baxter's Beauties of 1933) 1979 Americathon Act 1980 Midnight Madness Tourist 1981 First Monday in October Court Barber

### Television

Year Title Role Notes 1959 One Step Beyond Harry Season 2 Episode 15: "The Hand" 1960 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Club Member Season 6 Episode 8: "O Youth and Beauty!" (uncredited) 1961 Rawhide Townsman Season 3 Episode 21: "Incident of His Brother's Keeper" 1963 My Three Sons Policeman Season 3 Episode 39: "Found Money" 1964 The Andy Griffith Show Band Leader Season 4 Episode 27: "Fun Girls"

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Arnold, Mark (2023). *[Stars of Walt Disney Productions](https://books.google.com/books?id=9aKnEAAAQBAJ&pg=RA3-PA2011)*. Orlando, FL: BearManor Media. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [979-8-88771-072-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/979-8-88771-072-3).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-lat_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-lat_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-lat_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-lat_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-lat_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-lat_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-lat_2-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-lat_2-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-lat_2-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-lat_2-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-lat_2-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-lat_2-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-lat_2-12) Stephanie Stassel (February 9, 1991). ["Dick Winslow; Actor, Musician"](https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/188546108/). *The Los Angeles Times*. p. 536.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rtpd_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rtpd_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-rtpd_3-2) ["Robertson's Toyland Premiere Due"](https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-evening-citizen-news/188546459/). *Los Angeles Evening Citizen News*. November 6, 1931. p. 15.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-tsds_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-tsds_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-tsds_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-tsds_4-3) ["Boy Actor to Sketch"](https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-diego-sun/188546816/). *The San Diego Sun*. November 20, 1931. p. 15.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-sbcs_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-sbcs_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-sbcs_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-sbcs_5-3) ["Dick Winslow...Juvenile Actor in Harris' Toy Town"](https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-bernardino-county-sun/188546800/). *The San Bernardino County Sun*. November 14, 1931. p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-pt_6-0)** ["Party Nearing"](https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-evening-citizen-news/188546612/). *Los Angeles Evening Citizen News*. March 16, 1939. p. 10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Dick Winslow; Actor, Musician"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-02-09-me-465-story.html). Articles.latimes.com. February 9, 1991. Retrieved July 26, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Dick Winslow"](https://variety.com/1991/scene/people-news/dick-winslow-99130078/). Variety.com. February 17, 1991. Retrieved July 26, 2018.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Dick Winslow](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dick_Winslow).

- [Dick Winslow](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0935483/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

Authority control databases: Artists MusicBrainz

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Dick Winslow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Winslow) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Winslow?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.