Arthur Housman (October 10, 1889-April 8, 1942) was an American actor in films from the silent days. Initially as 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 the short film Scram (1932), and their feature Our Relations (1936). Housman's "drunk" act was continued off-screen as well as he had a drinking problem apparently in real life, and died of pneumonia aged 52.
Slim, aristocratic actor who, after the advent of talking pictures, specialized in playing a comical drunk.
Housman was one of two actors of the time who was famous for playing drunks, the other being Jack Norton (I). In real life Norton didn't drink at all, while Housman unfortunately developed a serious drinking problem.
