Eddie Dowling

Eddie Dowling (born Joseph Nelson Goucher; December 11, 1889 – February 18, 1976) was an American actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, composer and theatrical producer.

Early years Born Joseph Nelson Goucher on December 11, 1889, he was the 14th of 17 children born to a father of French-Canadian descent and a mother of Irish descent in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. (Some sources give his middle name as Narcisse.) He took his professional surname from the maiden name of his mother, Bridget Mary Dowling, who was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island. His father was Charles Goucher, a textile worker, He appeared on stage for many years, including appearances in the Ziegfeld Follies. His Broadway debut came in The Velvet Lady (1919). His most famous role was as Tom Wingfield in the original Broadway production of The Glass Menagerie, starring opposite Laurette Taylor and Julie Haydon. He produced the play's original Chicago production in 1944 and followed it to Broadway.

Personal life Dowling was married to the Scottish-born actress and stage performer Rachel Rice Dooley, in Smithfield, Rhode Island at the age of 86. His widow died in 1984, aged 95, in East Hampton, Long Island, New York.