One of Classic Film’s Great Character Actors
By Nick Thomas
Released 60 years ago this year, “The Sons of Katie Elder” is often cited as a favorite amongst John Wayne fans. In addition to the delightful screen chemistry between Wayne and co-star Dean Martin as lead actors, the cast is littered with beloved classic film character actors, including Paul Fix, James Gregory, Strother Martin, Rhys Williams, and John Qualen.
And John Doucette. With his deep, rich, distinctive voice and rugged features, Doucette was a prolific supporting actor in over 140 movies and even more television roles from the 1950s to the 1980s. Though he played a good-natured character in “Katie Elder” and his commanding screen presence made him a natural fit for roles like the town sheriff, a military man, or cop, he was also frequently cast in menacing henchman roles.
“He was kind of an intense guy, but sure was a neat dad,” said his oldest son, also named John Doucette, from his home in Los Angeles. “He could be very strict at home when it came to things like schoolwork, but he also had a wonderful sense of humor – having eight children, you’d have to! There was always something going on at home, a lot of socialization with people in and out, so growing up was quite an adventure.”
While the demands of his profession sometimes kept him busy at the studio for long hours or on location for weeks, John says his dad was a genuine family man.
“He was always right there with his video camera recording every event, whether it was my boy scouting, my younger brother’s football games, or my sister’s or daughter’s softball games,” said John. “When he was in Italy for several months filming ‘Cleopatra’ in the 60s, my mom and oldest sister – who attended school while there in Rome – went over to live with him. I have stills that the set photographer gave to my father while filming.”
But when in Hollywood, Doucette would hurry home, occasionally still in makeup. “I remember after shooting an episode of ‘Wagon Train’ where his character was whipped, he came home with all the makeup marks for the lashes still on his back.”
Unlike major box office stars who always commanded huge salaries, supporting actors made far less money. They made up for it, at least partially, by accepting numerous roles. In 1958, for example, Wayne appeared in just three films whereas Doucette is listed in over a dozen as well as more than 15 television appearances.
“That was fine by him, whatever came his way,” said John. “He was a true perfectionist and I remember going over lines with him because he would study diligently for every part, no matter how large or small the role. Supporting players are just as important as the main star because without them you don’t have a story. He really brought a lot to a scene, but then I’m a little biased! He was my dad and I loved him dearly.”
The Doucette family still receives residuals from their father’s film and television work.
“It’s not a lot, but every month there are checks coming in and for Christmas it has always been distributed amongst the eight children,” says John who is a trustee of that account. “He died in 1994 but to this day he’s still getting paid for all his hard work!”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. Interviews with the adult children of many noted classic film actors appeared in his 2011 book “Raised by the Stars: Interviews with 29 Children of Hollywood Actors” published by McFarland Press. See www.getnickt.org.
