Mitchell, Thomas, 1892-1962

Thomas John Mitchell (Irish: Tomás Séan Mistéal; July 11, 1892 – December 17, 1962) was an American character actor, writer, and theater director. He is considered one of the both greatest supporting and character actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood and a leading man on Broadway. He appeared in over 115 film and television roles between 1923 and 1961, along with numerous stage appearances. Among Mitchell's most famous film roles in a long career are those of Scarlett O'Hara's father Gerald O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, alcoholic Doc Boone in Stagecoach (1939), Pat Garrett in The Outlaw, and Mayor Jonas Henderson in High Noon. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Stagecoach. He also played Uncle Billy in Frank Capra's Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life (1946) with James Stewart.