Joseph Sweeney (July 26, 1884 (other sources state 1882) – November 25, 1963) was an American actor who worked in stage productions, television and movies. His best-known role was as the elderly Juror #9 in the 1957 classic 12 Angry Men,[1] the role he originated in a 1954 Westinghouse Studio One live teleplay of which the film was an adaptation.

Joseph Sweeney
Sweeney in 12 Angry Men, 1957
Born	(1884-07-26)July 26, 1884 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	November 25, 1963(1963-11-25) (aged 79) New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1918–1963

Stage career

Sweeney had a successful career as a stage performer in such productions as The Clansmen, George Washington Slept Here, Ladies and Gentlemen, A Slight Case of Murder, Dear Old Darlin, and Days To Remember. In the 1940s he made the switch to television as audiences' interests changed.[1] He returned to the stage in 1953 to portray Giles Corey in Arthur Miller's The Crucible.[2]

Later life

Sweeney kept acting until his death, appearing in numerous television shows, including at least twelve during the last year of his life. He died on November 25, 1963, at the age of 79.[1]

Filmography

Television

Films

References

External links

• Joseph Sweeney at IMDb
• Joseph Sweeney at the Internet Broadway Database
• Biography by New York Times
• Biography by Fandango (ticket service)
• Joseph Sweeney at Find a Grave