Born in Elizabeth, NJ. One of the most accomplished character actors of the American stage and screen, a performer of dazzling range. He began as a reporter with the Elizabeth Daily Journal and he later wrote a number of plays, some of which were successfully produced on stage and adapted to films. Little Accident, which he wrote in collaboration with Floyd Dell, was adapted to the screen in 1930 and 1939, and again in 1944 as CASANOVA BROWN (1944). In 1934 he collaborated on the screenplay of ALL OF ME (1934). Except for a single appearance in a silent film of the 20s, he remained a stage actor until the mid-30s, when he turned almost exclusively to the screen. He won an Academy Award as best supporting actor for his memorable portrayal of the tipsy Doc Boone in John Ford's STAGECOACH (1939). That same year he appeared as Scarlett O'Hara's father in GONE WITH THE WIND and played another memorable role in ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS. Visit the Internet Movie Database to view Mitchell's extensive film and television credits.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1937: THE HURRICANE  Supporting Actor 1939: STAGECOACH 2 nominations, 1 Award