London, England
1877 – 1959

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame Charter Member – December 2010

Edmund Gwenn was born Edmund John Kellaway on September 26, 1877, in Wandsworth, London. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished character actors of his era, known for his stocky build, twinkling eyes, warm demeanor, and smooth, soothing voice.

His father, a stern civil servant, showed him the door at 17 when he announced his intention to become an actor. Gwenn headed for the London stage anyway, where playwright George Bernard Shaw took notice and cast him in “Man and Superman” and several subsequent productions.

After serving in the British Army during World War I, Gwenn moved to Hollywood, where his film career flourished.

In 1947, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Kris Kringle in “Miracle on 34th Street” — a role that also took him to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1946 and 1947, where he appeared as Santa Claus.

Edmund Gwenn died on September 6, 1959, at the age of 81.