
Colorful American character actor equally adept at vicious killers or grizzled sidekicks. As a child he worked in the cotton fields. He attended Santa Monica Junior College in California and subsequently became an accountant and, at one time, manager of the Bel Air Hotel. Elam got his first movie job by trading his accounting services for a role. In short time he became one of the most memorable supporting players in Hollywood, thanks not only to his near-demented screen persona but also to an out-of-kilter left eye, sightless from a childhood fight. He appeared with great aplomb in Westerns and gangster films alike, and in later years played to wonderful effect in comedic roles.

Once Upon a Time in the West
1968 · as Frank's Gunman

The Cannonball Run
1981 · as Doctor

High Noon
1952 · as Charlie - Drunk in Jail (uncredited)

Cannonball Run II
1984 · as Doc

Support Your Local Sheriff!
1969 · as Jake

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
1957 · as Tom McLowery

Jubal
1956 · as McCoy

Rio Lobo
1970 · as Phillips

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
1973 · as Alamosa Bill Kermit

Hannie Caulder
1971 · as Frank Clemens

The Villain
1979 · as Avery Simpson

The Comancheros
1961 · as Horseface (Comanchero)

The Way West
1967 · as Preacher Weatherby

The Far Country
1954 · as Frank Newberry

Kiss Me Deadly
1955 · as Charlie Max

The Rare Breed
1966 · as Deke Simons

Firecreek
1968 · as Norman

Vera Cruz
1954 · as Tex