About

Altered.
Russell Simpson lived here from 1923 to at least 1930. Born in 1878, he was one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors during a long career, 1910-1959. Initially, he played romantic leads on the stage in a long association with the famous Broadway producer, David Belasco. Later, he played rough mountain men after he began in film in 1917. His most famous role was that of Pa Joad in “The Grapes of Wrath” (1940). He died in 1959.

1930 census:
2041 N. Catalina Street: (Value: $22,000): 1) Russell M. Simpson, owner and head of household; 52 year old white married male; married at age 32; born in California; father born in Louisiana, mother in Arkansas; an actor in the motion picture industry. 2) Gertrude Simpson, wife; 39 year old white married female; married at age 19; born in Illinois; father born in Pennsylvania, mother in New York; not working. 3) Roberta H. Simpson, daughter; 11 year old white single female; in school; born in New York. 4) Julia O’Neal, roomer; 30 year old single white female; born in New York; parents born in New York; a dressmaker in the garment industry. (19th ED, page 9A, lines 34-37).

1940 Census:
2041 Catalina Street (Rents for $80): 1) James T. Edwards, head of household; white married male 73 years of age; born in India; display advertising, own business. 2) Imogene Edwards, wife; white married female 59 years of age; born in England; not working. 3) Eleanor Edwards, daughter; white single female 29 years of age; born in England; in school; secretary, motion picture studio; earns $1,664. 4) Edgar Edwards, son; white single male 27 years of age; born in England; in school; actor, motion picture studios; earns $3,000. 5) Felicity McCroskey, daughter; white divorced female 24 years of age; born in California; secretary, department store; earns $750. 6) Jean Edwards, daughter; white single female 21 years of age; born in California; not working. 7) Michael C. McCroskey, grandson; white male 3 years of age; born in California.