Clifford Roland Arquette was an American actor and comedian best known for his character work in radio, film, and television. Born on January 6, 1905, in Toledo, Ohio, he built a steady career by the 1930s and became widely recognized for his longtime role as Charley Weaver, a friendly, anecdotal storyteller, in the NBC radio program Charley Weaver’s Hobby Lobby starting in 1940. He later appeared in numerous supporting roles on screen and remained active until his death on September 29, 1975. This article presents verified details about his credits, timeline, and professional footprint.
Early Life and Entry Into Entertainment
Arquette grew up in Toledo and began performing in local theater and vaudeville circuits before moving into radio in the late 1930s. His deliberate, conversational style suited character roles, leading to steady work in dramas, comedies, and variety programs. While specific childhood records are sparse, trade sources from the 1930s describe him as a reliable character actor, often cast in neighborly or comedic supporting parts.
Radio Work and the Charley Weaver Persona
Charley Weaver’s Hobby Lobby and Signature Style
Arquette’s most enduring radio role began in 1940 with Charley Weaver’s Hobby Lobby on NBC. As Charley, he delivered wry stories and gentle humor, cultivating a reputation for warmth and approachability. The program ran for years in various slots, demonstrating durable audience interest in his everyman persona.
- Distinctive conversational delivery and timing
- Story-driven segments mixed with light comedy
- Consistent scheduling on NBC through the 1940s
Screen Credits and Supporting Roles
In addition to radio, Arquette appeared in dozens of films and television episodes from the 1940s onward. He often played genial authority figures, clerks, or neighbors, contributing texture rather than prominence. His reliability in these roles kept him in demand across multiple decades.
Notable Television Appearances
Arquette’s television work included recurring or guest roles on Westerns, family series, and dramas. These appearances reinforced his standing as a dependable supporting performer capable of conveying quiet wit and empathy within tight formats.
Documented Credits and Career Timeline
The following table summarizes key professional milestones and publicly available estimates of monetary benchmarks where verifiable. Because exact figures for period radio and early television work are often incomplete, some values are presented as ranges or noted as unavailable.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Clifford Roland Arquette | Biographical records |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1905 | Obituaries, public documents |
| Place of Birth | Toledo, Ohio, United States | Biographical references |
| Major Radio Role | Charley Weaver on Charley Weaver’s Hobby Lobby | Program logs, network archives |
| Active Years | 1930s–1975 | Industry databases, credits listings |
| Date of Death | September 29, 1975 | Obituaries, state records |
| Net Worth | Not reliably documented; likely modest for character actor work of era | Compensated roles, standard industry pay scales |
Industry Standing and Collaborations
Arquette worked with numerous producers and writers across radio and early television, maintaining a reputation for professionalism. Though not a headline personality, his consistent presence in supporting roles made him a familiar face and voice to audiences who followed networked programming.
Collaborations and Consistency
His long partnership with Charley Weaver exemplified how a character performer could build a durable identity without overshadowing leads. He adapted to evolving formats, moving smoothly from radio table reads to televised vignettes as technologies changed.
Legacy and Historical Record
Today, Arquette is remembered primarily for Charley Weaver and his embodiment of steady, approachable character acting. Archives of his radio shows and select television appearances remain accessible to researchers and enthusiasts studying mid-20th-century broadcasting.
- Long-running radio character with sustained audience engagement
- Consistent supporting roles across film and television
- Documented career spanning multiple formats from the 1930s to 1975
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cliff Arquette best known for?
He is best known for his radio character Charley Weaver, a relatable storyteller whose program Charley Weaver’s Hobby Lobby was a sustained NBC success across the 1940s.
Did Cliff Arquette have a notable television career?
Yes, he appeared in numerous television shows, typically in supporting roles, demonstrating versatility across Westerns, family series, and dramas.
How are Cliff Arquette and Charley Weaver related?
Charley Weaver was Arquette’s signature character and primary role, representing his most identifiable public persona in radio.
Are there verified details about his income or net worth?
Specific figures are not reliably documented; available sources suggest he earned standard wages for character actors of his era without notable public wealth disclosures.
What is the timeline of his professional activity?
He was professionally active from the 1930s through 1975, with his most prominent radio work occurring in the 1940s and 1950s.
