Bernard Punsly


Bernard Punsly was a New York City-born American actor who later left show business to become a physician.
His last name was often spelled incorrectly in film credits as Punsley.

Early life and acting career

Punsly was born on July 11, 1923 in New York City. In 1935, He auditioned for a part in the play Dead End, because he thought it might be fun. The success of the play led them appearing in a film adaption of the play. The success of that film led to Punsly appearing in a series of "Dead End Kids" films. He later appeared in an offshoot group of films starring "The Little Tough Guys". He appeared with actors such as Ronald Reagan, James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, John Garfield, and Humphrey Bogart in these films.

After acting

Punsley joined the army after his last film, Mug Town, where he received medical training. Even as an actor, he was known to read medical books in his spare time and upon discharge from the army, Punsley entered the Medical College of the University of Georgia, subsequently obtaining his medical degree. He returned to California and set up a medical practice in Torrance, never returning to show business.
He became chief of staff in the South Bay Hospital in Redondo Beach, California.

Personal Life and death

Punsly married a woman named Lynne and had two children, Brian and Richard.
On January 20, 2004, at age 80, he died of cancer in a hospital in Torrance, California.

Filmography