Benny Baker; Film Comic Got His Start at Hal Roach Studio

Benny Baker, the wide-eyed, round-faced film comic who portrayed bellboys, Western Union messengers and bank clerks in more than 75 films dating back to the early 1930s two-reelers of producer Hal Roach, has died.

A spokeswoman for the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital said he died Tuesday at the Woodland Hills facility at age 87.

His film roles came after he had spent most of the 1920s in vaudeville and burlesque, where his chubby cheeks and quizzical expressions lent themselves to slapstick.

His first film was “The Hell Cat” in 1934; his last was “Jory” in 1973. His last appearance on stage was in a 1971 Broadway revival of “No, No, Nanette” with Ruby Keeler and Patsy Kelly, his old friend from their years with Roach.

In an interview for the film anthology “Who’s Who in Hollywood,” Baker complained that “Hollywood agents leave us (older actors) out in the cold.” He joked that he was working on his memoirs, which he had titled “My Phone Is Empty. “

“They’re only looking for people under 30,” he said.

His other pictures included “The Big Broadcast of 1936,” “The Inspector General,” “Papa’s Delicate Condition” and “Paint Your Wagon.”

Survivors include his wife, Edith, a daughter, Zoe, and two grandchildren.