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Lyle Talbot
This reliable second lead played gangsters, best friends, neighbors and the occasional romantic hero in countless films and TV shows from 1932 through the 1980s. Talbot's colorful childhood was like something from a melodrama: born on a riverboat, he was abducted by his grandmother after his mother's early death. By his teen years, Talbot was a sideshow magician, and by the late 20s was running The Lyle Talbot Players in Nebraska. When talking pictures became popular, Talbot headed West. The handsome, husky actor with stage training and a broad grin quickly found work.