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George Mathews, a burly actor with a rugged face, was raised in Manhattan and educated in Brooklyn. His extensive stage career began in the early 1930s after he was unable to secure a job with the US Post Office. Instead, he joined the WPA (Works Progress Administration) Theatre Program, a government initiative that provided employment through public works projects during the Depression. Mathews made his Broadway debut in the significant role of Dynamite Jim in "Processional" (1937). Known for his broad face, strong eyebrows, gravelly voice, and prominent lower lip, he was frequently cast as tough guys or hardened military characters. He shone on stage as Sgt. Ruby in "The Eve of St. Mark" (1942-43) on Broadway, reprising the role in the film adaptation (1944), which perfectly showcased his screen persona. Beyond playing one-dimensional villains, Mathews was equally skilled at comic tough roles, as seen in "Pat and Mike" (1952), where he received some judo moves from Katharine Hepburn, and in Garson Kanin’s musical comedy "Do Re Mi" (1960-62), portraying Fatso O'Rear alongside Phil Silvers.
Mathews also performed in classical theatre, appearing as a guard in "Antigone" (1946) with Cedric Hardwicke and as Mitch in "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1949-50), touring with Uta Hagen and Anthony Quinn. His performance earned praise from Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times. In 1950, he joined Tyrone Power in a sold-out London run of "Mister Roberts" at the Coliseum Theatre, playing the captain. On film, he was memorable as gambler Williams in the dramatic "The Man with the Golden Arm" (1955) and as the cruel Sheriff Bull Harper in the vibrant western "The Last Wagon" (1956). Mathews also had a recurring role in the TV comedy series "Glynis" (1963), portraying ex-cop Chick Rogers, who assists mystery writer and amateur sleuth Glynis Johns in solving various "whodunnits."
Offscreen, Mathews was the opposite of the tough characters he portrayed: friendly and intelligent. He was an avid chess player who frequently competed in international tournaments. He retired from acting in 1972 and passed away in South Carolina in November 1984.
