Joseph wagstaff

Joseph Wagstaff (1903-2001, commonly known as Joe Wagstaff) was an American actor, musician, singer and dancer.
Early life and career
His father Spencer George Wagstaff came from Hamilton Ontario, Canada. He came to Detroit to work as an agent for the Grand Trunk Canadian National Railroad. His father died in 1925 and his obituary lists him as leaving a widow and three sons, Earl, Sumner and Joseph. The obituary lists Joeseph as a musical comedy actor.

In the 1930 U.S. Census Joseph Wagstaff was listed as a silent and sound film actor.
Broadway
The Passing Show of 1923-The Play ran from June 14th of 1923 till September 15th of 1923 at the Winter Garden Thearter in New York.
Billie-The Play ran in New York from from October 1st 1928 till January 5th, 1929. It was written, directed and produced by George M. Cohan. Joe played the part of Jackson Jones. Black Diamond-The play opened in New York on June 29th, 1929. Fine and Dandy-The Play opened on June 24th of 1930 at the Erlanger Theater in New York. Joe played the part of George Ellis.
Movies
Song of Kentucky-1929 Joe played the part of Jerry Reavis and performed the songs "a night of happiness","sitting by the window","rapsody" and "don't blame me." Other actors in this film were Hedda Hopper,Dorothy Burgess,Herman Bing and Bert Woodruff. There was a sound track (record) available for this film.
Lets Go Places-1930, the working title of this was "Hollywood Nights," the name was changed along the way. This is said to be a lost film and I do not know if any copies are still in existence. The New York Times newspaper described this as being a singing talking film. Other actors in this film were Betty Grable, Lola Lane, Frank Richardson and Walter Catlett.
Musical performances
Wagstaff performed with the following orchestras and performers:
* Meyer Davis Orchestra
* Paul Whiteman Orchestra
* J.W. Sutton Club Orchestra
* Lillian Roth
* Beatrice Lillie
* Medrano and Donna
* There is a reference to Joe Wagstaff and Film Land but the sources are unclear.
Later life
Joe was performing in the Detroit and Benton Harbor areas of Michigan until well into the 1970's in the summer months.
References

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See Also

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