Actor · Narrator

Jonathan Hole

1904–1998 · Eldora, Iowa, U.S.

Jonathan Foreman Hole was a remarkable performer whose entertainment career spanned an extraordinary six decades, making significant contributions to radio, stage, television, and film. Born in Eldora, Iowa on August 13, 1904, Hole would become a quintessential character actor whose versatility and distinctive presence would define him as a true journeyman of American entertainment.

Early Years and Stage Beginnings

Growing up in Iowa, Jonathan Hole discovered his passion for performance early. After graduating from Des Moines, he set his sights on the theatrical world. By the mid-1920s, he had established himself in New York's vibrant theater scene. In 1926, he joined the Morgan Wallace players as stage manager at the Princess Theater, marking the beginning of a professional journey that would see him perform in numerous stage productions across multiple states. Throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s, Hole honed his craft in various theatrical companies. He appeared in comedies like Cinderelative and performed in venues across Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, and Maine. His stage work demonstrated a remarkable range, from comedy to melodrama, setting the foundation for his future versatility.

Radio and Early Broadcasting Career

Hole's radio career was as dynamic as his stage work. He became an active radio performer across multiple markets, including Chicago, where he worked as an announcer. Interestingly, during this period, the station temporarily changed his last name to Cole. In 1942, he showcased his community spirit by serving as co-chair of the Red Cross entertainment committee in Chicago. His radio repertoire was diverse. He portrayed Paul Henderson in a radio soap opera, demonstrating his ability to inhabit different characters and bring them to life through sound alone. This skill would become a hallmark of his broadcasting career.

Transition to Screen and Television

In 1951, Hole seamlessly transitioned into film and television. His on-screen persona was typically that of a fussy, somewhat self-important character - often portraying clerks, managers, or bureaucrats. Despite mostly receiving uncredited roles, he appeared in 36 feature-length films and made an impressive 200 appearances across 121 television shows and made-for-TV movies. His television work was particularly prolific. He made multiple appearances on popular shows, playing different roles in series like Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and Have Gun - Will Travel. His ability to quickly adapt and create memorable characters, even in brief appearances, made him a sought-after character actor.

Legacy and Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Hole maintained a stable personal life. In 1931, he married actress Elizabeth Jane "Betty Hanna" Hanawalt, whom he met while acting in Dayton, Ohio. They remained together until her death in 1976. Hole continued working well into his later years, with his final television appearance being in the 1990 murder mystery Silhouette. Jonathan Hole passed away on February 11, 1998, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and consistent professionalism. He embodied the quintessential character actor - always reliable, often memorable, and capable of bringing depth to even the smallest roles.

Works and Appearances

Radio

Radio Soap Opera: Paul Henderson (year unspecified)
Various radio performances in Chicago, New York, and other markets

Stage

Dr. David's Dad (1924)
57 Bowery (1928)
Cinderelative (1930)
Peter Flies High (1931)
The Locked Room (1933)

Television (Selected Appearances)

Perry Mason (multiple episodes, various roles)
Gunsmoke (multiple episodes)
Have Gun - Will Travel (multiple episodes)
One Step Beyond (1960)
Silhouette (1990, final appearance)

Film

My Pal Gus (1952)
Woman's World (1954)
Ransom! (1956)
4 for Texas (1963)
Some Kind of a Nut (1969)

Jonathan Hole's career serves as a testament to the adaptability and enduring spirit of mid-20th century American performers, seamlessly moving between stage, radio, television, and film with remarkable consistency and skill.