John Hubbard; Leading Man in ‘40s Films

John Hubbard, the debonair leading man of several films during the 1940s and beyond and a featured player in two television comedy series, died Sunday in a convalescent home in Camarillo.

Hubbard was 74 and died of the complications of kidney failure, said his daughter, Jane.

Born in East Chicago, Ind., Hubbard studied at the Goodman Theater of the Chicago Art Institute and was seen there by a talent scout who brought him to Hollywood.

His was a patrician, handsome countenance in an era of distinguished-looking actors and he soon was placed under contract to Paramount and then Metro Goldwyn Mayer. His first film was Cecil B. de Mille’s “The Buccaneer” in 1938, followed by several pictures for Hal Roach including “The Housekeeper’s Daughter,” “Turnabout,” “One Million B.C.” and “Topper Returns.”

His last picture was “Herbie Rides Again” in 1973.

On television he was featured as Mr. Brown in “The Mickey Rooney Show,” (also known as “Hey Mulligan”) in 1954-55 and was the pompous Col. U. Charles Barker in the 1962-63 military farce “Don’t Call Me Charlie.”

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife, Lois, another daughter, Lois, a son, John, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.