J.P. McGowan

J.P. McGowan Profile Photo

Characters played by J.P. McGowan

Thomas - the Chief of the Gang — A Railroader's Bravery (1915)

Leader of a wiretapping criminal gang targeting railroad communications.

Ed Dawson — Heart of the Rockies (1937)

Member of the Dawson mountain family, suspected of cattle rustling but innocent.

Dave Morgan — Guns and Guitars (1936)

Dave Morgan is a leading citizen who secretly owns thousands of cattle suffering from Texas Cattle Fever. He tries to get the infected herd across the county and uses a town meeting, a false claim about the disease, and a sheriff's election to advance his plan. Gene's posse ultimately helps expose and jail him.

Wise Man 1 — From the Manger to the Cross (1912)

Wise Man 1 is one of the visitors from the East who follows a star to find the newborn Jesus and brings gifts. After Herod asks the visitors to report back, they return home by another route following a warning in a dream, avoiding a return to him.

Blake - a Lineman — The Girl Telegrapher's Peril (1915)

Quarrelsome telephone lineman and widowed father of two young girls.

Benton — Helen's Sacrifice (1914)

Railroad telegraph operator and detective who assists Helen in investigations.

John Foster — His Mother (1912)

A banker among a group of passing Americans who discovers Terence's musical talent and invites him to New York to pursue his career.

Brack Canfield — The Three Mesquiteers (1936)

World War I veteran turned homesteader, faces land disputes.

Rance McGowan — Hit the Saddle (1937)

Corrupt rancher using illegal tactics and a trained killer horse to dominate the range.

Matson — The Lawless Legion (1929)

Matson is secretly allied with Ramirez and opposes the settlers' plan to move their cattle to safety. He sabotages Cal by drugging his coffee, leaving Cal passed out and making his companions suspect him of drunkenness. After Ramirez's gang steals the herd, Cal returns and exposes Matson's betrayal, clearing his own name.

Rand - the Fireman — The Leap from the Water Tower (1915)

Locomotive fireman involved in trackside operations.

U.S. Marshal Billy O'Neill — Empty Holsters (1937)

O'Neill is the U.S. marshal contacted by Cain's gang, who falsely accuse Clay of wrongdoing. Acting on that accusation, O'Neill arrests Clay for violating parole. Tex knocks O'Neill unconscious and frees Clay, allowing Clay to continue investigating Cain and the stolen gold.

Career Overview

J.P. McGowan has 341 screen credits in a career dating back to 1910. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently The Hazards of Helen with 36 titles. Signature works include Señor Americano, Stormy Seas, Hills of Missing Men. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
341
Birth Date
1880-02-23
Birth Place
Terowie, Australia

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 3 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q2053311), public domain (CC0).