Joseph Michael Shaughnessy
Joseph Michael Shaughnessy (August 5, 1920 – July 23, 1985) Shaughnessy was a character actor and comedian who specialized in playing lovable, but not-too-bright lugs. He was known for roles such as the tough, experienced mentor of Elvis Presley's character in Jailhouse Rock and Maxi the punch-drunk boxer in Designing Woman (1957) opposite Gregory Peck. The New York City-born Shaughnessy was a Golden Gloves boxer. Shaughnessy started out as a singer, before becoming a comedian. He served in World War II and appeared in a US Army revue called "Stars and Gripes". After the war, a Columbia Pictures producer saw him performing on stage and offered him a screen test. In addition to his film career, he also worked in radio and television and had a nightclub act. In his later years, Shaughnessy lived in Wildwood, New Jersey, and died at the age of 64 from lung cancer in nearby Cape May Court House.