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Biography
Joseph Sweeney (July 26, 1884 – November 25, 1963) was an American actor who worked in stage productions, television and movies. His best-known role was as the elderly Juror #9 in the 1957 classic 12 Angry Men, the role he originated in a 1954 Westinghouse Studio One live teleplay of which the film was an adaptation.
Stage career
Born in Philadelphia, Sweeney debuted on stage in stock theater with a company in Norwich, Connecticut. He had a successful career as a stage performer in such productions as The Clansmen, George Washington Slept Here, Ladies and Gentlemen, A Slight Case of Murder, Dear Old Darlin, and Days To Remember. In the 1940s he made the switch to television as audiences' interests changed. He returned to the stage in 1953 to portray Giles Corey in Arthur Miller's The Crucible.
Later life
Sweeney kept acting until his death, appearing in numerous television shows, including at least twelve during the last year of his life. He died on November 25, 1963, at the age of 79.
Filmography
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Wesley | Wesley's Grandfather | |
| 1954 | Twelve Angry Men | Juror #9 | |
| 1961 | Naked City | Jacob S. Moreland | Season 3 Episode 12 - Bridge Party |
| 1963 | Car 54, Where Are You? | The Judge / A.E. Van Cleve / Jim McNaughton | 4 Episodes |
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 | Sylvia on a Spree | A Pal of Jack's | |
| 1936 | Soak the Rich | Capt. Pettijohn, 1st detective | |
| 1940 | The Philadelphia Story | Butler | |
| 1950 | Outside the Wall | Prison Hospital Inmate | |
| 1956 | The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit | Edward M. Schultz | |
| 1956 | The Fastest Gun Alive | Reverend | |
| 1957 | 12 Angry Men | Juror #9 / McCardle |
