Great Character Actors – Authur Treacher (1894-1975)
He was the perfect butler, in films. With his tall, slightly hunched physique, his staid, stuffy manner, and an aristocratic accent, he was the epitome of a valet or butler.
He was born Authur Veary in Brighton, East Sussex, England on July 23, 1894, the son of a barrister. He initially studied law as did his father, but after completing his tour of duty in the military during World War I, he made his acting debut as a chorus boy in London at age 25. This led to appearances in revues and eventually tours, and before long he had made his Broadway debut.
His film debut came in 1929 in “The Battle of Paris” as Harry. His other film credits include: “Madame DuBarry” (1934) as Master of the Bedroom; “Here Comes the Groom” (1934) as Butler; “The Woman in Red” (1935) as Maj. Casserly; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1935) as Ninny’s Tomb; “Thank You, Jeeves” (1936) as Jeeves, a role he played in a film series; “Anything Goes” (1936) as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh; “Heidi” (1937) with Shirley Temple, as Andrews, a butler; “The Little Princess” (1939) again with Shirley Temple as Bertie Minchin; “National Velvet” (1944) with Elizabeth Taylor, as Man with Umbrella; “Chip Off the Old Block” (1949) as Hutchins; “Love That Brute” (1950) as Quentin, and “Mary Poppins” (1964) as Constable Jones, his last film.
On TV he was a regular on the series: “Down You Go” (1951) as a Panelist; “You’re in the Picture” (1961) as a Panelist, and “The Merv Griffin Show” (1969-72) as Co-Host and Announcer. He also became well known as the owner of Arthur Treacher’s Fish n’ Chips franchises all across America.
Arthur Treacher died on December 14, 1975 of a heart ailment in Manhasset, New York at the age of 81.
From Great Character Actors, page 5.
Mr. Treacher was a longtime resident of Douglaston, first in Douglas Manor on Hillside Street. Just prior to his death, he resided at 43-20 Douglaston Parkway (Wellesley Gardens).