Joseph Michael Shaughnessy (August 5, 1920 â€" July 23, 1985) was an
Irish American character actor and comedian who specialized in playing
lovable, but not-too-bright lugs. He was known for roles such as the
tough, experienced mentor of Elvis Presley's character in Jailhouse
Rock and Maxi the punch-drunk boxer in Designing Woman (1957) opposite
Gregory Peck.The New York City-born Shaughnessy was a Golden Gloves
boxer.Shaughnessy started out as a singer before becoming a comedian.
He served in World War II and appeared in a US Army revue called
"Stars and Gripes". After the war, a Columbia Pictures producer saw
him performing on stage and offered him a screen test. In addition to
his film career, he also worked in radio and television and had a
nightclub act.In his later years, Shaughnessy lived in Wildwood, New
Jersey, and died at the age of 64 from lung cancer in nearby Cape May
Court House. He was survived by his wife Sarah, four daughters and
three sons.
Irish American character actor and comedian who specialized in playing
lovable, but not-too-bright lugs. He was known for roles such as the
tough, experienced mentor of Elvis Presley's character in Jailhouse
Rock and Maxi the punch-drunk boxer in Designing Woman (1957) opposite
Gregory Peck.The New York City-born Shaughnessy was a Golden Gloves
boxer.Shaughnessy started out as a singer before becoming a comedian.
He served in World War II and appeared in a US Army revue called
"Stars and Gripes". After the war, a Columbia Pictures producer saw
him performing on stage and offered him a screen test. In addition to
his film career, he also worked in radio and television and had a
nightclub act.In his later years, Shaughnessy lived in Wildwood, New
Jersey, and died at the age of 64 from lung cancer in nearby Cape May
Court House. He was survived by his wife Sarah, four daughters and
three sons.
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