Quick Facts
LeoBiography
Joseph Michael Shaughnessy (August 5, 1920 – 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.
Later years/death
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.
Complete filmography
- The Princess and the Pirate (1944) - Man who brings the beers (uncredited)
- The Marrying Kind (1952) - Pat Bundy
- Last of the Comanches (1953) - Rusty Potter
- From Here to Eternity (1953) - Sgt. Leva
- Conquest of Space (1955) - Sgt. Mahoney
- Designing Woman (1957) - Maxie Stultz
- The Burglar (1957) - Dohmer
- Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (1957) - Solly Pitts
- Until They Sail (1957) - US Marine, Store Customer
- Jailhouse Rock (1957) - Hunk Houghton
- Don't Go Near the Water (1957) - Farragut Jones
- The Sheepman (1958) - Jumbo McCall
- Gunman's Walk (1958) - Deputy Sheriff Will Motely
- A Nice Little Bank That Should Be Robbed (1958) - Harold 'Rocky' Baker
- The Hangman (1959) - Al Cruse
- Ask Any Girl (1959) - Mr. Eager - Man Smoking Cigarette (uncredited)
- Don't Give Up the Ship (1959) - Stan Wychinski
- Edge of Eternity (1959) - Scotty O'Brien
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1960) - The Duke
- College Confidential (1960) - Sam Grover
- Sex Kittens Go to College (1960) - Boomie
- North to Alaska (1960) - Peter Boggs
- Dondi (1961) - Sergeant
- The Big Bankroll (1961) - Jim Kelly
- The McGonicle (1961, TV Movie) - Mac McGonicle
- Pocketful of Miracles (1961) - Junior
- How the West Was Won (1962) - Deputy Stover
- Mickey and the Contessa (1963, TV Movie) - Mickey Brennan
- A Global Affair (1964) - Police Officer Dugan
- A House Is Not a Home (1964) - Police Sergeant Riordan
- Never a Dull Moment (1968) - Francis
- St. Patrick's Day TV Special (1969, TV Movie)
- Vernon's Volunteers (1969, TV Movie)
- The Boatniks (1970) - Charlie
- Touched (1983) - Himself
- Primal Scream (1987) - Charlie Waxman
Partial television credits
- Maverick (1962, Episode: "Mr. Muldoon's Partner") - Mr. Muldoon
- The Virginian (1962, Episode: "Big Day, Great Day") - Muldoon (credited as Michael Shaughnessy)
- Going My Way (1963, Episode: "The Slasher") - Jim Bancroft
- Laredo (1965, Episode: "Pride of the Rangers") - Monahan
- The Legend of Jesse James (1966, Episode: "South Wind") - Ab Truxton
- Run for Your Life (1967, Episode: "Rendezvous in Tokyo") - Morgan
- The Chicago Teddy Bears (1971, three episodes) - Lefty
