About Ralph Sanford
Lived 1899 – 1963 (aged 64). Ralph Sanford was an American actor.
Ralph Dayton Sanford (May 21, 1899 – June 20, 1963) was an American film actor. He appeared in more than 180 films and in at least 200 episodes on television between 1930 and 1960, mostly bit parts or supporting roles. Sanford frequently appeared in Westerns and was often portrayed "tough guys". Sanford also served in the infantry during World War I.
Career Sanford's began his professional career in 1924 as the dancing partner of Ray Bolger. He moved to California in 1928 and gained his first movie credit in 1933. He began appearing on television in 1951, playing various roles. He is probably best-remembered on The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, appearing in 21 episodes, including 16 as Mayor Jim Kelly during the 1958-1959 season.
On Broadway, Sanford performed in Between Two Worlds (1934), Saluta (1934), They Shall Not Die (1934), Twenty-five Dollars an Hour (1933), Ballyhoo of 1932 (1932), Hey Nonny Nonny! (1932), Child of Manhattan (1932), The Constant Sinner (1931), The Great Man (1931), Mendel, Inc. (1929), and Half a Widow (1927).
Death Sanford died in Los Angeles, California on June 20, 1963. His body was transported to his birthplace of Springfield, Massachusetts for burial.
Selected filmography
In the Dough (1932) Sea Racketeers (1937) Prescription for Romance (1937) Undercover Agent (1939) Dance, Girl, Dance (1940) Alaska Highway (1943) Sweethearts of the U.S.A. (1944) The Bullfighters (1945) Adventures of Kitty O'Day (1945) High Powered (1945) My Pal Trigger (1946) It's a Joke, Son! (1947) French Leave (1948) Champion (1949) The Glass Menagerie (1950) Let's Make It Legal (1951) Rogue River (1951) Torpedo Alley (1952) The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (TV; 1955-1959, 22 episodes) Adventures of Superman (TV, 1955)--"Flight To The North" Uranium Boom (1956) The Oregon Trail (1959) The Purple Gang (1959)
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Important facts
People in Ralph Sanford's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Ralph Sanford's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ralph Sanford?
actor (1899-1963)
When was Ralph Sanford born?
Ralph Sanford was born on 21 May 1899 in Springfield.
When did Ralph Sanford die?
Ralph Sanford died on 20 June 1963 in Los Angeles.
What was Ralph Sanford's occupation?
Ralph Sanford was an actor.
What nationality was Ralph Sanford?
Ralph Sanford was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ralph Sanford. https://biography.guide/ralph-sanford/
MLA: "Ralph Sanford." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ralph-sanford/.
Chicago: "Ralph Sanford." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ralph-sanford/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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