Arthur Housman
Arthur Housman (October 10, 1889 – April 8, 1942) was an American actor in films during both the silent film era and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Career. In 1917, he was working at the Mayfair Film Corporation. During World War One, he served briefly in the Naval Reserve Force as a Fireman, 3rd class. Initially a leading man, Housman later became known as Hollywood's most familiar comic drunkard in films of the 1930s, usually playing cameo parts in features but with better opportunities in short films. His best remembered roles were in several Laurel and Hardy films , notably "Scram!", "Our Relations" and (in the title role) "The Live Ghost". Housman was thought to have an offscreen drinking problem, as well, but he continued appearing in films until his death. His final role (again playing a drunk) was in the low-budget exploitation film "Escort Girl" made in 1941. Death. Housman died of pulmonary tuberculosis at age 52.